







































































































































































































































































FRANK S. RIX 
Chaplain 


V.*.ERNEST F. ERDMANN 
Trustee 


R W. GEORGE l-GESCH 
Chaplain 


W HARRY W. ENTW1STLF 
Trustee 


CHARLES W. REED 
Senior Master of Ceremonies 


W. ABEL S. HOLCOMB 
Trustee 


CHRISTIAN A. MOE 
Junior Master of Ceremonies 



R.-.W. CHARLES MILLER WILLIAMS 
Secretary 



DR. IRA BREWSTER TERRY 
Junior Warden 





WILLIAM LAWRASON 
Junior Steward 


WILLIAM BOYD TINDLE 
Worshipful Master 


W HARRY ALTON RUSSELL 
Organist 


JOSEPH A. KAPP 
Junior Deacon 


CLAUDE R. FOX 
Senior Deacon 


JOHN VALENTINE 
Senior Steward 


W HARRY A GREENE 
Marshal 


R.-.W. .GEORGE W. HACKENBERCER 
Historian 


W. .JOSEPH McELROY 
Tyler 


RAYMOND R. MINOR 
Coat Room 




FIFTY YEARS 

OF 

% jfe,. ’^ vc ' ^ &<g 

ST. CECILE LODGE 

No. 568, F. & A. M. 

INCLUDING 

"ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS ,, 


Being a Concise Account of the Activities of the Lodge 
from its Constitution in 1865 

COMPILED FROM THE LODGE RECORDS AND OTHER 
AUTHENTIC SOURCES 

WITH COMPREHENSIVE INDEX AND 
NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS 


Second Edition */ 


WRITTEN AND ARRANGED BY 

CHARLES MILLER WILLIAMS 

1916 






PUBLISHED BY ST. CECILE LODGE, No. 568, F. & A. M. 

1916 


fll<S 

dcpsj 


2 > 


COLLABORATEUR 

R.-.W/.GEORGE W. HACKENBERGER 

HISTORIAN 


Copyrighted, 1907, by 
CHARLES MILLER WILLIAMS 


Copyrighted, 1916, by 
CHARLES MILLER WILLIAMS V' 

If 

DEC 29 1916 


©CI.A446990 

Tv 







OFFICERS FOR 1916 


WORSHIPFUL MASTER 

WILLIAM BOYD TINDLE 


SENIOR WARDEN 

ALVAH EDGAR NICHOLS 

TREASURER 

R.-.W. ".GEORGE E. WALLEN 


JUNIOR WARDEN 

IRA BREWSTER TERRY 

SECRETARY 

R.-.W. .CHARLES MILLER WILLIAMS 


TRUSTEES 

W.'.HARRY W. ENTWISTLE, three years 
W.-.ERNEST F. ERDMANN, two years W.-.ABEL S. HOLCOMB, one year 

SENIOR DEACON JUNIOR DEACON 

CLAUDE R. FOX JOSEPH A. KAPP 


SENIOR MASTER OF CEREMONIES 

CHARLES W. REED 


JUNIOR MASTER OF CEREMONIES 

CHRISTIAN A. MOE 


CHAPLAINS 


R.-.W.-.GEORGE LOESCH 


FRANK S. RIX 


SENIOR STEWARD 

JOHN VALENTINE 


JUNIOR STEWARD 

WILLIAM LAWRASON 


MARSHAL 

W.-.HARRY A. GREENE 


HISTORIAN 

R.-.W.-.GEORGE W. HACKENBERGER 


ORGANIST 

W.-.HARRY ALTON RUSSELL 

COATROOM 

RAYMOND R. MINOR 


TYLER 

W.‘.JOSEPH McELROY 


Alvah E. Nichols 


FINANCE COMMITTEE 

Ira B. Terry 


Claude R. Fox 


MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

W.'.Ernest F. Erdmann W. ".Harry W. Entwistle 

W.'.Abel S. Holcomb W.-.C. Frank Shepard 

W. ".Harry A. Greene 


Alvah E. Nichols 
Gustav A. Myers 


INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE 

The Committee on Instruction meets on call in committee room at MASONIC HALL, 
Sixth Avenue and Twenty-third Street, New York City. Candidates for degrees may be 
presented at these meetings. 

Charles Peppel Fred H. Renner Gustav A. Myers 

William C. Cubitt Andrew Bade Ben J. Geiger 

George Kellington 


DELEGATES TO MASONIC BOARD OF RELIEF 

R.-.W.".Charles Miller Williams 

W.’.Harry A. Greene Isaac Friedenberg Raymond R. Minor 

George H. Thomas Bernard J. McCann David S. Bellows 


REFRESHMENT COMMITTEE 

Charles Freudenvoll 

W.‘.Ernest F. Erdmann Alonzo W. Hagedorn Harry K. Rogers 

Alvah Edgar Nichols Charles H. Davis Archie R. Kerr 


LODGE MEETS 

First, Third and Fifth Tuesday Afternoons of each Month at half-past one o’clock, unless 
especially called at an earlier hour, COLONIAL ROOM, MASONIC HALL, Twenty-third 
Street and Sixth Avenue, New York City. 





WARRANT 


ISSUED TO 

ST. CECILE LODGE, NO. 568, F. & A. M., 

BY THE 

Grand Lodge of the State of New York. 

We, the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity 
of Free and Accepted Masons, of the State of New York, in ample form 
assembled, according to the old constitutions, regularly and solemnly es¬ 
tablished under the auspices of Prince Edwin, at the city of York, in 
Great Britain, in the year of Masonry, 4926, viz.: The Most Worship¬ 
ful Robert D. Holmes, Grand Master; The Right Worshipful Stephen H. 
Johnson, Deputy Grand Master; The Right Worshipful James S. Gibson, 
Senior Grand Warden; The Right Worshipful John R. Anderson, Grand 
Junior Warden: 

Do, by these presents, appoint, authorize, and empower our Worthy 
Brother Frederick Widdows to be the Master, our Worthy Brother George 
F. Ilsley to be the Senior Warden, and our Worthy Brother Thomas S. 
Nedham to be the Junior Warden, of a lodge of Free and Accepted Ma¬ 
sons, to be, by virtue hereof, constituted, formed, and held in the city of 
New York, which lodge shall be distinguished by the name or style of 
St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568; and the said Master and Wardens, and their 
successors in office, are hereby respectively authorized and directed, by 
and with the consent and assistance of a majority of the members of the 
said Lodge, duly to be summoned and present upon such occasions, to 
elect and install the officers of the said Lodge as vacancies happen, in 
manner and form as is, or may be, prescribed by the Constitution of the 
Grand Lodge. 

And further, the said Lodge is hereby invested with full power and 
authority to assemble upon proper and lawful occasions, to make Masons, 
and to admit members, as, also, to do and perform all and every such acts 
and things appertaining to the Craft as have been, and ought to be done, 
for the honor and advantage thereof; conforming in all their proceedings 
to the Constitution of this Grand Lodge, otherwise this warrant and the 
powers thereby granted, to cease and be of no further effect. 

Given under our hands and the Seal of the Grand Lodge, at the City 

of New York, in the United States of America, 
SEAL OF this twenty-eighth day of June, in the year of 

Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 

GRAND LODGE five, and in the year of Masonry five thousand 

eight hundred and sixty-five. 

JAMES M. AUSTIN, 

Grand Secretary. 

Registered in the Book of the Grand Lodge, Page 179. 


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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


Group of Officers—1916. Frontispiece 

PAGE 

Warrant Issued to St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568 .5 

R. W. Frederick Widdows.21 

W. David L. Downing.43 

W. Myron A. Decker.59 

Group—Nedham, Morgan, Davis, Pfeiffer.71 

Cut of Lodge Crest, as originally used.103 

Receipt for $834, Six-Dollar Per Capita Assessment . . . 121 

W. Charles H. Govan.129 

M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary.145 

Group—Latham, Schlig, Morse, Allen.161 

W. James H. Curtin.173 

W. C. Edward Low.187 

W. William B. Clayton.203 

W. Harry A. Greene ..219 

R. W. George Loesch.231 

Loving Cup Presented to St. Cecile by University Lodge, No. 610 . 238 

R. W. George E. Wallen.241 

Badge and Souvenir Medal of the St. Cecile Pilgrimage to Phila¬ 
delphia .247 

Receipt for $1,437.14, Proceeds of Monster Charity Concert . . 261 

W. George Johnston.253 

Lodge Banner—front and reverse. 264-265 

W. William E. Tway.267 

Group of Officers—1907 . 283 

R. W. George W. Hackenberger.305 

Copy of Front Page of Lodge Notice.319 

W. Harry W. Entwistle.329 


3 


















4 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

R. W. John J. Dowers.341 

W. C. Frank Shepard.355 

R. W. Charles Miller Williams.367 

W. Abel S. Holcomb.375 

Summer Outing in the Country, with the Ladies.385 

Drumhead Presented to St. Cecile Lodge, No. 193, Newark, N. J. . 396 

Artistic Heart Resolutions Presented to St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568 . 397 

W. Ernest F. Erdmann.405 

W. William Boyd Tindle.427 

Brother Alfred C. Perpignan, in regimentals.436 

Brother John G. Pfeiffer.445 








PREFACE 


Daylight Masonic lodges, so called, were practically un¬ 
known in New York prior to 1865. In that year a coterie of 
brethren engaged principally in the dramatic and musical 
profession conceived the idea of a lodge which should hold its 
communications in the afternoon at a convenient hour so 
that those who were similarly occupied could enjoy the priv¬ 
ileges of membership in the fraternity. St. Cecile Lodge 
was the result. Its institution met instant appreciation, and 
all the years since have proved the wisdom of its founders. 
From the smallest place in the Seventh Masonic District the 
lodge has grown and developed, until now it stands at the 
top in membership and influence. In the present volume it 
is designed to speak of the more important activities of the 
lodge during its first half-century, touching occasionally on 
other matters of interest to the fraternity, yet keeping well 
within the established boundaries of Masonic ethics concern¬ 
ing the publication of matters of a confidential nature. 

It is of interest to note that the character of membership 
in St. Cecile has never varied from the first. The ranks are 
still constantly recruited from the same professional elements, 
with additions from the newspaper, medical and other profes¬ 
sions and those following commercial pursuits. A large per¬ 
centage of the membership is necessarily travelling a great 
part of the time, and it has been said that “the sun never goes 
down on St. Cecile Lodge,” for somewhere in every country 
may he found its members, carrying the sunshine of optimism 
into the furthermost corners of the world. Likening St. Cecile 
Lodge to the radiant orb of day recently, a beloved Past 
Grand Master aptly said the Lodge had well earned the title 

5 


6 


PREFACE 


of the “ Sunshine Lodge.” To our nomadic brethren, as well 
as those more permanently resident, who for any reason are 
obliged to forego the happy privilege of attending the com¬ 
munications, who will deny the luxury of a volume devoted 
exclusively to activities of the lodge they love? 

Books and magazines devoted to the dissemination of 
Masonic principles form an ever increasing and important 
factor of the age in which we live, and carefully written lodge 
histories have their place in the library of every well-informed 
brother. These volumes will doubtless furnish food for 
thought in the youthful mind of future generations concern¬ 
ing the record of progenitors. Masonry, it is unnecessary to 
add, needs no publicity of the press, yet authentic informa¬ 
tion concerning successful Masonic organizations may be a 
great incentive for increased usefulness. 

The writer has enjoyed the personal acquaintance of many 
of the founders of St. Cecile Lodge, from whom much valua¬ 
ble data has been gleaned. Such men as Widdows, Johnston 
Fountain (first tiler, who served from 1865 until his death 
in 1895), Decker, Morgan, bTedham, O’Reilly, Davis, Pfeif¬ 
fer, Latham, Withers, and others have each added to the 
general fund of knowledge. Most of these have laid down 
the earthly working tools of life, but their names and deeds 
are indelibly impressed upon the whole character of the lodge. 
During the passing years many men of talent have affixed 
their names to the roll, performed their labors, and are now 
no more. Of these brethren volumes of an anecdotal nature, 
in lighter vein, may be written. 

During the fifty years of its prosperity, St. Cecile has been 
known as a vital force for the accomplishment of good; in¬ 
deed, its fame extends throughout our vast mystic circle. 
Carrying succor to the weak, wise counsel to the strong, the 
uplifting influences of Masonic tenets to all, St. Cecile Lodge, 
with gratitude to the Great Architect, submits this volume 
for the favorable approbation of the brethren. 

The Author. 


IN THE BEGINNING. 


He that holds fast the golden mean, 

And lives contentedly between 
The little and the great, 

Feels not the wants that pinch the poor, 

Nor plagues that haunt the rich man’s door. 

— Horace. 


Remarkable as it would appear to many of the younger 
brethren of the fraternity, the present-day custom of Masonic 
lodges in various parts of the United States, holding their 
stated communications in the day time instead of after night¬ 
fall, was far from usual half a century ago. It is of official 
record that the first regularly chartered Lodge in New York 
State privileged by competent authority to hold its regular 
communications at a time other than after sundown met in 
the metropolis early in 1865. After due discussion by its 
founders, it was appropriately named St. Cecile. It may be 
noted that the idea of a Masonic Lodge meeting in the day¬ 
time was not at first regarded seriously by some of the wise¬ 
acres, who saw in it merely a more or less interesting experi¬ 
ment, others were more generous in their predictions. 

It is, of course, well known that Masonic Lodges in an¬ 
cient times usually met at an hour when the light was good; 
for are we not taught that “our ancient brethren held their 
lodges on high hills the better to observe the approach of 
eavesdroppers” ? As men’s occupations began to take up the 
hours of daylight the meetings of lodges were naturally 

7 



8 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


relegated to tlie hours of relaxation in the evening. Lodges 
have met in emergency by day; and army lodges have always 
existed in the field, in which the brethren met by day or night, 
as convenient. It is the universal custom of lodges in our 
generation to meet in the evening, after the day’s business 
is over. The “matinee lodge,” so called in its inception, 
was an expedient to meet certain unusual conditions, and 
did not make its appearance in Hew York until after the 
conclusion of the Civil War. The success since attained by 
St. Cecile Lodge has been imitated in many other cities, 
until now there are Masonic lodges meeting by day in a score 
of cities throughout the country. It is said that in some rural 
sections lodges have so met for generations, especially where 
the membership is widely scattered, in order that the brethren 
might reach their homes before darkness set in. Certain 
Masonic lodges in Europe, where the conditions found in 
Hew York also prevail, sometimes begin their sessions as 
early as nine in the morning, continuing their labors during 
the entire day, terminating the proceedings with a banquet 
in the evening. 

Many members of the fraternity employed nocturnally 
in the theatres and various metropolitan newspaper offices 
had received their Masonic degrees from time to time as 
best they could, affixed their names to the Lodge roll and 
were rarely seen again in lodge meetings. Thus the mem¬ 
bership of night workers was divided among many lodges, 
assembling in places widely separated, and they seldom if 
ever met their business associates in the lodge room. Then 
again, as the chances of regular attendance were precarious, 
few night workers had the temerity to accept office and it 
was rarely indeed that any of them reached a position of 
official prominence in the lodge to which he belonged. 

Peculiarly happy, therefore, was the idea of forming a 
“matinee” lodge for the accommodation of night workers. 
Conveniently meeting in the afternoon, a Masonic rendezvous 
was provided where the gregarious lychnobite could in his 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


9 


hour of leisure mingle with the brethren, enjoying in comfort 
the manifold advantages of fellowship. 

The advent of the new lodge in January, 1865, the first 
of the kind in New York, naturally excited more than a pass¬ 
ing interest among the Masons of the metropolis. At first 
there was expected from the more conservative elements some 
slight opposition to the introduction of so radical a departure 
from prevailing custom, but the trend of opinion soon became 
favorable to the project. It was well argued that a Masonic 
body with stated meetings at such a convenient hour for 
night workers would be welcomed as a great boon by many 
hitherto unable to enjoy the privileges of fraternal association. 

When the enterprise was broached its advocates fortunately 
secured a powerful ally in the person of the Deputy Grand 
Master of Masons in the State of New York, a man of 
advanced ideas, who encouraged the promoters personally 
and cheerfully promised his official approval as soon as the 
matter was properly laid before him. The originator of the 
enterprise and his associates were naturally elated, and lost 
no time in completing the necessary preliminaries. Mean¬ 
while there were numerous conferences. 

In due time the application, properly indorsed by the 
requisite number of contemporary lodges, was forwarded to 
R. W. Robert D. Holmes, Deputy Grand Master. On 
January 25, 1865, he graciously granted St. Cecile, as the 
new lodge was called, permission to work under dispensation. 

Named in honor of St. Cecilia, patron of musicians, it was 
decided to give the word the French form, Cecile, as a com¬ 
pliment, it is said, to Mrs. Cecile Robir Holmes, the beautiful 
and accomplished wife of the Deputy Grand Master. 

Signatures to the original petition totaled an even dozen. 
Of these six were professional musicians, two were opera 
singers, three were engaged in mercantile pursuits and one 
was a printer. Seven were of foreign birth, while five were 
natives of the United States. 

So St. Cecile Lodge was born. Although the child of war 


10 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


times, when the roar of cannon was a lamentably familiar 
sound throughout the land and lines of marching men an 
every day sight, yet hers has been a mission of joy and 
peace; within her portals have entered no jarring factions 
to disturb; no touch of scandal has dimmed the lustre of her 
record. Charity has been the watchword, fidelity to the 
ancient traditions the guiding motive. 

It may truthfully he said that the whole career of 
St. Cecile Lodge is one long story of uninterrupted gener¬ 
osity and good will. Thousands have known and praised her 
good works. Though at times the light may have burned 
dimly, it has never been extinguished, but with the years 
has continued to illume with increasing power until to-day 
St. Cecile Lodge is acknowledged as one of the brightest 
stars in the Masonic firmament. From the little coterie 
of nine, insignificant in numbers and influence, has grown 
the mighty organization of approximately a thousand good 
men and true, justly celebrated the world over for steady 
devotion to the noblest principles of our fraternity. 

While St. Cecile Lodge has at all times welcomed good 
men, with clean records, from every walk of life, the after¬ 
noon hour for meeting has been found especially convenient 
for those who toil at night. 

Inquiring minds find a fascination in getting back to the 
beginnings of things. Delight is found in tracing the great 
stream to the little rill, winding its devious way o’er grassy 
fields, through dark defiles, purling musically the while in 
its rocky course, until at length is found its source in the 
clear, limpid waters of the bubbling spring high up on the 
mountainside. In somewhat similar fashion are we con¬ 
ducted, my brethren, by the founders of St. Cecile Lodge 
to the very fountain-head of the highest ideals of Masonic 
tradition—the practice of charity and the cultivation of 
music. However short of the full measure of perfection the 
members may have been, it cannot truthfully be said that they 
have failed to observe faithfully the foregoing precepts. 


1865] 


OF ST. GEGILE LODGE. 


11 


IN THE SIXTIES. 


The merry heart, the merry heart, 

Of heaven’s gift I hold thee best; 

And they who feel its pleasant throb, 
Though dark their lot, are truly blest. 

— Anon. 


1865. 

In a certain side street near the main uptown thoroughfare 
of the metropolis there stood years ago a cafe and res¬ 
taurant. The proprietor was one who, having tired of the 
somewhat uncertain plaudits of a fickle opera-going public, 
devoted himself to catering to the material rather than the 
intellectual appetite. In its successful days his place was 
the rendezvous of a large number of professional friends, 
singers and actors, who came frequently to gossip over a 
luncheon, passing away the hours in pleasant social inter¬ 
course while satisfying the cravings of the inner man. 

Here were wont to meet such kindred spirits as Dionysius 
Barron, phenomenal male alto singer; John R. Thomas, bari¬ 
tone; Myron Whitney, great American basso; Nelson Var- 
ley, English tenor; William J. Castle, operatic tenor; Wil¬ 
liam Campbell, baritone; Henry C. Peakes, marvellous 
basso profundo, and a score of other celebrated professional 
singers and musicians, popular favorites of the day. Many 
of these afterward became members of the new “Musical 
Lodge,” as St. Cecile was familiarly called. Great times 
had they, indulging in impromptu singing contests to de¬ 
termine which could reach certain remote notes in the lower 
register or perchance sustain for the longest period certain 
high ones. Chance visitors listened with delight to the songs 



12 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1865 


of these talented artists, their splendid renditions being 
greeted with tumultuous applause. 

It is not unlikely that the founders of St. Cecile Lodge 
sometimes found themselves together in this very place. 
Who knows? The moving spirit in forming the lodge was 
W. Bro. Frederick Widdows, Master of Clinton Lodge, a mu¬ 
sician well known to professional singers, business manager 
for Ole Bull, violin virtuoso; at various times theatre man¬ 
ager. His immediate Masonic associates in the founding of 
St. Cecile Lodge were Bro. George F. Ilsley, of Americus 
Lodge, dealer in pianofortes; Bro. Myron A. Decker, of Mas¬ 
ters’ Lodge, piano manufacturer; Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr., 
of Americus Lodge, popular leading tenor, who sang in opera 
and with the great minstrel organizations; Bro. George W. 
Morgan, of Montauk Lodge, recognized as a leading organist; 
Bro. James Mills, of Excelsior Lodge, a printer, erstwhile 
employe of the great Frank Leslie publishing establishment; 
Bro. David Graham, of Worth Lodge, musician in leading or¬ 
chestras; Bro. John R. Thomas, of Mystic Tie Lodge, fa¬ 
mous as the author of “The Cottage by the Sea” and other 
popular musical compositions; Bro. Henry Tissington, of 
Eureka Lodge, the well-known leader of the Union Square 
Theatre orchestra; Bro. William Walter, of Chancellor Wal¬ 
worth Lodge; Bro. Richard Homer, of Manitou Lodge; Bro. 
Edward Mollenhauer, of Absalom Lodge, Hamburg. Al¬ 
though enthusiastic about the new organization, for some rea¬ 
son the last three never consummated their membership when 
the charter was granted to St. Cecile Lodge on June 28, 1865. 

PERMISSION TO WORK UNDER DISPENSATION 

The granting of the dispensation to St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 
568, by R. W. Robert D. Holmes, Deputy Grand Master, on 
January 25, 1865, may fairly be said to mark an epoch in 
metropolitan Masonic history. Hever before had a Masonic 
lodge in Hew York been granted a charter by competent au- 


1865 ] 


OF ST. GEGILE LODGE. 


13 


thority to meet exclusively in the daytime. In recent years 
matinee or “daylight” lodges have attained popularity in 
many parts of the country, and numerous Masonic organiza¬ 
tions now hold their stated communications before sunset 
instead of after it, hut St. Cecile Lodge was undoubtedly the 
first subordinate lodge to do so in New York, and no other 
similar lodge made its appearance for several decades after¬ 
ward. While a history of this unique lodge is practically 
a review of “daylight” Masonry for over forty years, it is 
the especial purpose of the present work to deal in simple 
language only with the activities of St. Cecile. As tritely 
expressed by the immortal hard, “An honest tale speeds best 
being plainly told.” 

Conspicuous among those interested in starting the 
“matinee” lodge, as previously stated, was W. Bro. Frederick 
Widdows, of Clinton Lodge, No. 453, who personally visited 
various lodges meeting in the city and secured official ap¬ 
proval of the petition for a dispensation, which was duly 
presented, properly indorsed, to R. W. Robert D. Holmes, 
Deputy Grand Master. The document verbatim follows: 

“To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of 
the State of New York: 

“The undersigned petitioners, being Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons in good standing, having the prosperity of 
the fraternity at heart, and willing to exert their best en¬ 
deavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of 
Masonry, respectfully represent— 

“That they are desirous of forming a new lodge, to be 
located in the city of New York, to be named the Lodge of 
St. Cecile. 

“The reasons which induce the petitioners are: 

“1—That your petitioners are members of the musical 
profession, vocal and instrumental, and in the exercise 
thereof many of them are engaged in the evening and are 
consequently debarred the privileges of Masonry. 


14 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1865 


“2—Many of their friends in the profession are for a 
like reason prevented from uniting themselves with our be¬ 
loved institution. 

“3—They propose, should the prayer of the petitioners 
be granted, to hold their lodge in the afternoon and thus 
gratify the wishes of their professional brethren, as well 
as enable those who are not Masons to become such. 

“4—We hope to form a ‘Masonic Musical Corps’ that 
may add greater interest to all the ceremonies of the craft. 

“For these reasons they therefore pray for letters of dis¬ 
pensation to empower them to assemble as a regular lodge, 
to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and consti¬ 
tutional manner according to the original forms of the order 
and the regulations of the Grand Lodge. 

“They have nominated and do recommend W. Bro. 
Frederick Widdows to be the first Master, Bro. George F. 
Ilsley to be the first Senior Warden, and Bro. George S. 
Weeks, Jr., to be the first Junior Warden. 

“If the prayer of the petitioners shall be granted they 
promise a strict conformity to the constitution, laws and 
regulations of the Grand Lodge. 

(Signed) 

Frederick Widdows, Past Master Clinton Lodge, Ho. 453. 
George F. Ieseey, Americus Lodge, Ho. 535. 

George S. Weeks, Jr., Americus Lodge, Ho. 535. 

James Mills, Excelsior Lodge, Ho. 195. 

John R. Thomas, Mystic Tie Lodge, Ho. 272. 

George W. Morgan, Montauk Lodge, Ho. 286. 

Myron A. Decker, Masters’ Lodge, Ho. 5. 

Richard Horner, Manitou Lodge, Ho. 106. 

William H. Walter, Chancellor Walworth Lodge, Ho. 271. 
Edward Mollenhauer, Absalom Lodge, Hamburg. 

David Graham, Worth Lodge, Ho. 210. 

H. Tissington, Eureka Lodge, Ho. 243.” 


1865 ] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


15 


This petition was indorsed by Kane Lodge, No. 454, at a 
stated meeting held January 10, 1865, in the following 
words: 

“We the officers and members of Kane Lodge, No. 454, 
do most cheerfully recommend the granting of the prayer 
of the above named brethren, believing them to be good 
Masons and true men. 

“Done at a regular meeting of Kane Lodge, No. 454. 

“James A. Tighe, W. M. 

“New York, January 10, 1865.” 

The petition was also indorsed by Benevolent Lodge, No. 
28, on January 11; by Strict Observance Lodge, No. 94, on 
January 11; by Pacific Lodge, No. 233, on January 12; by 
George Washington Lodge, No. 285, on January 13, and by 
Americus Lodge, No. 535. 

The Deputy Grand Master was pleased, on January 25, 
to indorse the petition, and added, “Provided always, that 
the regular communications must be held in the daytime, 
between the hours of twelve o’clock noon and eight o’clock in 
the evening, and not otherwise, save on emergencies.” 

The first meeting, under dispensation, was held at the hall, 
corner of Broome and Crosby streets, on Wednesday, Febru¬ 
ary 15, 1865, at half-past three in the afternoon. There were 
present a number of interested brethren to witness the begin¬ 
ning of the new lodge. W. Bro. Widdows read the dispensa¬ 
tion, after which the lodge was regularly opened with the 
following officers: . 


Master.W. Bro. Frederick Widdows. 

Senior Warden . . . Bro. George F. Ilsley. 

Junior Warden . . . Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr. 

Treasurer.Bro. Henry Tissington. 

Secretary.Bro. Myron A. Decker. 

Senior Deacon . . . Bro. James Mills. 

Junior Deacon . . . Bro. W. H. Walter. 

Tiler.Bro. Johnston Fountain. 


After the regular opening services the lodge proceeded 






16 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1865 


to transact business. It was resolved to meet every Tuesday 
at three o’clock in the afternoon. On motion the initiation fee 
was fixed at $50. The by-laws of Clinton Lodge, except the 
amount of initiation, were adopted pro tem. W. Bro. Wid- 
dows then presented the first proposition for membership, 
Mr. Henry S. Cutler, aged 39, organist; Bro. George Ilsley 
proposed Mr. David B. Johnson, piano dealer. The Master 
and Wardens were appointed a committee to obtain per¬ 
manent quarters. 

The first warrant is dated February 21, 1865, and is for 
$40, payable to W. Bro. Frederick Widdows, for money ad¬ 
vanced to meet the expenses of the dispensation. The min¬ 
utes of the first meeting were signed by Bro. James Mills, 
Secretary pro tem. 

The Committee on Booms, after looking at a number of 
places, finally decided to rent a lodge room at Ho. 594 Broad¬ 
way, the first and second floors of which were occupied by 
the Helmbold pharmacy, the upper floors being fitted as 
lodge rooms. The rent was $200 per annum, and $10 ex¬ 
tra for use of the organ. 


FIRST CANDIDATES INITIATED 

The committee upon the applications of Messrs. H. S. Cut¬ 
ler and David Johnson having reported favorably, at the 
communication of Tuesday, February 21, 1865, a ballot 
was taken and they were duly elected to membership. They 
were at this same meeting initiated in the Entered Apprentice 
Degree, being the first novitiates. At this meeting the affili¬ 
ation fee was fixed at $15, but at the following meeting this 
action was rescinded and affiliation made free. Subsequently 
it was made three dollars, and on July 17, 1866, it was 
raised to $10. The fee for passing and raising was $25. 

On March 14, Mr. Alfred Burnett, a noted elocutionist 
and entertainer, and Mr. David L. Downing, leader of the 


1865 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


17 


Ninth Regiment Band, were initiated. At the communica¬ 
tion of March 21 Messrs. Cutler, Johnson and Burnett were 
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and consum¬ 
mated their membership by signing the by-laws. Bro. Bur¬ 
nett received his second degree in less than constitutional 
time by special dispensation. At this same communication 
applications for affiliation were received from Bro. Thomas 

5. Nedham, of Greenwich Lodge, and Bro. Thomas G. 
Howard, of Rocky Mountain Lodge. These petitions were 
referred to a committee, and on March 28 they were duly 
elected to membership. 

During the following May there arose some discussion in 
regard to changing the name of the lodge to “ St. Cecilia,” 1 
but upon receiving an adverse recommendation from the- 
committee to which the matter had been referred, it was de¬ 
cided by vote of the lodge to make no change from the 
original form. 

The sessions of the Grand Lodge of 1865 were begun June 

6, at two o’clock in the afternoon, at No. 446 Broadway. 
The Most Worshipful Clinton B. Paige, Grand Master, in 
presenting his report, alluded to having issued a dispensation 
to St. Cecile Lodge, which that day had the honor of opening* 
the ceremonies with appropriate music. The Most Wor¬ 
shipful Grand Master said, in part: 

“ Although my opinion is unchanged as to the propriety 
of an increase of lodges in the city of New York (an opinion 
in which the Deputy Grand Master fully coincides), vet 
the dispensations issued in those localities seemed to present 
claims that warranted making an exception in their favor 
and in his action I fully concur. ... St. Cecile is 
composed entirely of musicians and artists whose business 
pursuits occupy their evenings, and they are therefore de¬ 
prived of the privileges of lodge attendance. They propose 
to hold their meetings in the daytime exclusively, and their 
labors thus far have fully justified the confidence reposed in 
them by the Deputy Grand Master. The Grand Lodge has 


18 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1865 


witnessed, in our opening ceremonies, a pleasing exemplifica¬ 
tion of their devotion to the cultivation of at least one of the 
liberal arts and sciences and their ability to minister to the 
gratification of more than one of the five human senses—a 
portion of their work which, by their by-laws, they propose 
to exemplify at each annual communication and as often 
as requested by the Grand Lodge.” 

One of the first official acts of M. W. Robert D. Holmes, 
Grand Master, upon assuming the duties of his office, was 
to grant to St. Cecile Lodge, ISTo. 568, its charter. The 
document bears date of June 28. It was thereupon decided 
to set apart Tuesday, July 11, as the day upon which to 
regularly constitute the lodge. The brethren were accord¬ 
ingly notified and awaited the day with eagerness. 


CONSTITUTION AND CONSECRATION". 

Promptly at two o’clock in the afternoon of that day were 
gathered a large number of Masonic brethren invited to 
witness the ceremony which was to place St. Cecile Lodge 
permanently in the galaxy of metropolitan Masonic organi¬ 
zations. The brethren who had the success of the enterprise 
nearest at heart were enthusiastic. W. Bro. Widdows and 
his official staff were in their respective places on the stroke 
of the hour and the lodge was opened in full form with 
music. The Master appointed W. Bro. John Martin, of 
Antiquity Lodge; Bro. William H. Walter, of Chancellor 
Walworth Lodge, and Bro. David L. Downing, of St. Cecile, 
a committee to ascertain whether the officers of the Grand 
Lodge were in waiting and to inform the Grand Master that 
St. Cecile Lodge was ready to receive him. The Grand 
Master and his associates entered at once and took their 
stations as follows: 

Grand Master .... M. W. Robert D. Holmes. 

Deputy Grand Master . R. W. John W. Simons. 


1865] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


19 


Senior Grand Warden . R. W. Royal G. Maillard. 

Junior Grand Warden . R. W. Daniel Carpenter. 

Grand Secretary . . . R. W. James S. Austin. 

Senior Grand Deacon . R. W. Samuel Ivirkham. 

Junior Grand Deacon . R. W. Bro. Sinclair. 

Grand Chaplain . . . R. W. Rev. F. C. Ewer. 

Grand Marshal . . . R. W. Robert Macoy. 

The ceremonies which followed were unusually impres¬ 
sive. Bro. William H. Walter presided at the organ, and 
during the day the odes “ While Thus We Seek Protecting 
Power/’ “ How Blest the Sacred Tie/’ “ Once More Be¬ 
neath the Lights/’ “ Hail, Masonry Divine/’ and others well 
known to the brethren of those days, were sung, all joining. 
The address of the Grand Master was especially eloquent 
and befitting the occasion. Proclamation being duly made 
and the officers installed, the Most Worshipful Grand Master 
presented the gavel to W. Bro. Widdows, complimenting the 
brethren upon their enterprise and predicting for St. Cecile 
Lodge a brilliantly successful future. It is to be regretted 
that the exact words of this masterly address have not been 
recorded. There were several scores of prominent Masons 
present. The records mention but five who were present 
by special invitation, namely, R. W. Bro. Driver, D. G. M., 
Louisiana; W. Bro. Thorpe, of Americus Lodge, Ho. 535; 
W. Bro. Zacharie, of Antiquity Lodge, Ho. 11; R. W. 
Bro. Woodruff, of Manhattan Lodge, Ho. 62, and W. Bro. 
Kirk, of Abraham Lodge. There was also a delegation from 
Hew Jersey. The officers were installed as follows, being the 
first under the charter: 

W. Bro. Frederick Widdows. 

Bro. George F. Ilsley. 

Bro. Thomas S. Nedham. 

Bro. Henry Tissington. 

Bro. David Graham. 

Bro. David L. Downing. 

Bro. Nathaniel Sawyer. 

$ Bro. Henry S. Cutler. 

/ Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr. , 


Worshipful Master 
Senior Warden . 
Junior Warden . 
Treasurer . . . 

Secretary . . 

Senior Deacon 
Junior Deacon 

Stewards . . . 






20 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1865 


Marshal . 

Trustees. 

Standing Committee 

Organists. 

Tiler . 


Bro. Harvey B. Dodworth 
Bro. David B. Johnson. 
Bro. Henry S. Cutler. 

Bro. James Mills. 

Bro. David L. Downing. 
Bro. Nathaniel Sawyer. 
Bro. Thomas G. Howard. 
Bro. George W. Morgan. 
Bro. William H. Walter. 
Bro. Johnston Fountain. 


There are no Masters of Ceremonies mentioned in the 
minutes as having been appointed or installed at this time. 
Subsequently in the latter part of the year the names of Bros. 
Laurence O’Beilly and J. C. F. Bietzel appear in that 
capacity. 

The interesting exercises were brought to an end when 
the proclamation was made and the benediction pronounced 
by the Grand Chaplain. The Grand Lodge officers then re¬ 
tired. Bro. William H. Walter presented the lodge with a 
handsomely bound copy of the Scriptures, receiving there¬ 
for a vote of thanks. It was decided on motion to meet on 
the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month. After 
disposing of various details of routine business the brethren 
adjourned to the City Assembly Booms, where a banquet 
had been prepared. While doing justice to the repast the 
brethren were regaled with music and responded to numerous 
toasts in honor of the new lodge and its officers. 


B. W. Frederick Widdows (Musician).—Initiated in 
Bew York Lodge, Bo. 330, April 5, 1859. Affiliated with 
Clinton Lodge, Bo. 453, in 1862, and became Master in 
1863. Withdrew to become first Master of St. Cecile Lodge, 
Bo. 568, in 1865. In 1866 appointed Junior Grand Deacon 
by M. W. Bobert D. Holmes; in 1867 appointed Grand Stew¬ 
ard by M. W. Stephen Johnson. Affiliated with Bew Jeru¬ 
salem Lodge, Bo. 9, Washington, D. C., June 23, 1881; 








WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1865-1866. 
JUNIOR GRAND DEACON, 1866. 
GRAND STEWARD, 1867. 



























1865] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


21 


reaffiliated with St. Cecile Lodge, Xo. 568, September 30, 
1887. Died in Washington, D. C., Monday July 17, 1893. 

Possessed of personal magnetism to a marked degree, It. W. Bro. Wid- 
dows numbered his friends by the score. He was a descendant of a 
family of musicians, and had a natural predilection for music, which con¬ 
tinued throughout his entire life. Artistic, he also contributed several 
poetic contributions to the newspapers, and as a wit and raconteur he 
was known far and wide. In stature It. W. Bro. Widdows was rather 
under the medium height, with blue eyes and a frank, engaging smile. 
Though generous to a fault, he drew the line at excess. Bro. Widdows 
was born in Norwich, England, Aug. 29, 1820. He was first cousin of 
the father of Bro. Reuben Withers, of St. Cecile Lodge, and came to the 
United States in 1858, engaging in various theatrical enterprises, and 
was business manager for Ole Bull’s concert tours. He was a noted 
ringer of the chimes of the large churches in New York and other cities, 
and also rang the chimes on Machinery Hall at the World’s Fair in 
Philadelphia in 1876. For many years previous to his death Bro. Wid¬ 
dows was an employe of the Treasury Department in Washington. In 
founding St. Cecile Lodge, W. Bro. Widdows was untiring in his efforts, 
and although in after years he dimited, he never was satisfied elsewhere, 
however agreeable his associates, until he was again numbered among the 
members of the lodge of his own creation. His frequent letters to the 
lodge during periods of absence from New York were models of loving 
solicitude, as of a tender parent to an only child. W. Bro. Widdows’ 
great popularity in the Masonic fraternity was attested by his election 
as an honorary member of New York Lodge in 1866, Clinton Lodge in 
1867, and St. Cecile in 1882. He was also identified with many Masonic 
organizations other than those mentioned. 


The first stated communication of St. Cecile Lodge after 
being constituted took place in the lodge room, Xo. 594 Broad¬ 
way, on Tuesday, July IS, 1S65, at three in the afternoon. 
Bro. David Graham proposed for initiation and membership 
Mr. Laurence O’Beilly, musician, this being the first petition 
for membership received after being duly chartered. The 
Committee on By-laws, consisting of W. Bro. Widdows, Bros. 
Xedham aiid-Ilsley, made report and the by-laws of Clinton 
Lodge, with slight changes, were used as a model. It was 
agreed that the initiation fee should be $50. The dues were 
placed at five dollars per annum, payable quarterly. The Sec¬ 
retary’s salary was $50 per annum, payable quarterly. Two 


22 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1865 


hundred copies of the by-laws were ordered to be printed for 
the use of members. Article XI. reads as follows: “ Xo 
smoking or refreshments, other than water, shall be allowed 
in the lodge room.” It was also ordered that an advertisement 
of the lodge meetings should be inserted in the Xew York 
“ Dispatch.” Bro. William H. Walter, one of the original pe¬ 
titioners, who did not consummate his membership, although 
most zealous in helping to establish the lodge, was unani¬ 
mously elected an honorary member. Resolutions were 
adopted thanking Xormal Lodge, Xo. 523, for fraternal cour¬ 
tesies in loaning its jewels and paraphernalia. Bro. Thomas 
S. Xedham presented the lodge with a beautiful dagger, and 
received a vote of thanks therefor. Owing to disturbing 
noises from the street it was decided to meet in another 
part of the building, and at the first communication in Octo¬ 
ber the lodge met in an upper floor room. Upon this occasion 
Bro. Alfred Burnett presented the lodge with a handsome 
clock. A committee was appointed to select appropriate lodge 
music. 

Upon the death of Bro. John P. Cooke, orchestra leader 
at Laura Keene’s Theatre, a well-known. and popular mem¬ 
ber of Xew York Lodge, resolutions of condolence were 
adopted by St. Cecile and sent to the lodge of which he had 
been a member and also to his family. 

W. Bro. Brow, of Greenwich Lodge, who took great in¬ 
terest in the welfare of St. Cecile, at this time presented 
the lodge with a handsome examination Bible, and from Bro. 
Xathaniel Sawyer there was received a set of four staves. 
A unanimous vote of thanks was tendered the two brethren 
for their thoughtfulness. 

There were still a great many complaints from the members 
of the lodge about the noises from the street' during the 
meeting and also about the negligence of the janitor of the 
building in not keeping the rooms in order, and it was de¬ 
cided to make a change. Accordingly, on February 20, 1866, 
the lodge moved into the rooms at Fourth and Greene streets 


1866 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


23 


occupied by Greenwich Lodge and others. The rent was 
$200 per annum. 

The first election of officers of the lodge after becoming a 
regularly chartered body occurred on December 19. All the 
elective incumbents were continued in office and the roll of 
appointed officers was practically unchanged. The election 
was conducted by W. Bro. S. S. Thorpe, of Americus Lodge, 
who also installed the officers. The report of the Secretary 
showed the membership was twenty-two Master Masons, one 
Fellowcraft, one Entered Apprentice, and one Honorary 
member. The Treasurer’s report showed that the expendi¬ 
tures had exceeded the receipts by $12.25. Notwithstanding 
this the report of the Finance Committee concluded with the 
cheerful statement that “ not five months have elapsed since 
we obtained our charter and we find ourselves in possession 
of all the necessary working tools, of a style that will bear 
favorable comparison with those of any other lodge in this 
city, all of which are paid for, and all bills have been 
promptly paid when due. We can only say, in reviewing the 
past we derive pleasure and the future is brilliant and 
hopeful.” 


1866. 

During the communication held on February 6, W. Bro. 
Charles Brown, of New York Lodge, accompanied by Bro. 
Edwin Booth, the famous actor, entered the lodge and both 
were invited to seats in the east. Upon motion it was re¬ 
solved to contribute $20 in aid of the fund to erect a monu¬ 
ment to the late Bro. John Parker Cooke, of New York 
Lodge, a well-known musician. 

At a stated communication in March, upon a motion made 
by Bro. George Ilsley, it was resolved to present to each 
candidate, upon his initiation, a lambskin apron, at the 
expense of the lodge. Delegates were appointed to represent 
the lodge in the Masonic Board of Relief; those so named 


24 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1866 


were Bros. Lanktree, Johnson and Decker. The demands 
upon the lodge for assistance at this time were numerous. 
At every session impoverished brethren and destitute women 
applied at the outer door of the lodge for financial assistance, 
which was seldom refused. It has been said that at one 
meeting no less than fourteen applicants were relieved. 

On the occasion of the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, 
which in 1866 was held in Irving Hall, beginning June 5, 
St. Cecile provided an orchestra and singers from the lodge 
membership. Among other selections, the “ Hallelujah 
Chorus/’ by Bro. George W. Morgan, and the Doxology were 
sung by the lodge, accompanied by the lodge orchestra. In 
recognition of these and other services the Most Worshipful 
Grand Master appointed W. Bro. Frederick Widdows Junior 
Grand Deacon. The appointment was received with many 
expressions of pleasure by members of the lodge. 

At the first meeting in July M. W. Robert D. Holmes, 
Grand Master, was unanimously elected an honorary member 
of St. Cecile.- A motion was passed that the lodge celebrate 
the first anniversary with a social gathering. Bros. Lank- 
tree, Dodworth, Baker and Rietzel were appointed a com¬ 
mittee of arrangements. The festivities took place at Ter¬ 
race Garden and were in the nature of a family party. 
There was an excellent band of fifteen pieces, which dis¬ 
coursed the popular airs of the day and provided music for 
the dancers. There were refreshments, and it was a well 
.managed, jolly affair. The necessary expenses were met by 
the members buying tickets at one dollar each, and as the 
use of the garden was donated it cost the lodge nothing. This 
was the first formal social function held by the lodge, and 
was a great success. 

There was no cessation of work during the summer. In 
August a contribution was made toward the “ purchase of 
' certain relics of Bro. George Washington, President of the 
United States, for the purpose of depositing the same in 
the archives of the Grand Lodge.” 


1866 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


25 


BENEFIT FOR IIALL AND ASYLUM FUND. 

Working conjointly, New York Lodge and St. Cecile 
Lodge gave an entertainment at Dodworth Hall for the bene¬ 
fit of the Hall and Asylum Fund, which realized a tidy 
amount of money. A formal vote of thanks was shortly 
afterward given by the lodge to Bros. J. C. F. Rietzel and 
Frank Gilder for valuable services rendered in connection 
with this concert. 

As an organized body St. Cecile had no part in the success¬ 
ful fair held this year in the Masonic Building, corner Grand 
and Crosby streets, but individual members served on com¬ 
mittees and assisted the enterprise in various ways. 

The reading of reports at the annual communication in 
December, 1866, aroused a good deal of interest among the 
members. The Secretary reported a substantial gain in the 
membership, and that the receipts for the year exceeded the 
expenditures by $509.20. There was a good-natured rivalry 
for the various offices at the election, which was presided 
over by R. W. Bro. Widdows, who also installed the officers 
elect. Bro. George F. Ilsley was elected Master; Bro. John 
M. Burnett, Senior Warden; Bro. David L. Downing, Junior 
Warden. Bro. Henry Tissington was re-elected Treasurer, 
and Bro. David Graham re-elected Secretary. The Master 
appointed Dr. H. S. Cutler organist for the ensuing term. 
The Trustees w T ere R. W. Frederick Widdows, Bro. [Nathan¬ 
iel Sawyer and Bro. David B. Johnston. A complete list of 
officers for this and all succeeding years is given in a table 
at the end of this book. The Finance Committee presented 
its report, complimenting the Treasurer and Secretary upon 
the able manner in which they had performed their duties, 
and congratulating the lodge upon its prosperity. The salary 
of the Secretary was increased to $100 per annum, and a vote 
of thanks was tendered the retiring officers. It was ordered 
that an advertisement setting forth the time and place of 
meeting should be inserted in the “ National Freemason.” 


26 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1867 


1867. 


W. Bro. George F. Ilsley (Musician).—Raised in Ameri- 
cus Lodge, No. 535, July 24, 1863. Withdrew to become a 
charter member of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, in 1865. He 
was the first Senior Warden in 1865-66, became Master in 
1867; Secretary in 1875-76-77-78. Died in Brooklyn, 
March 13, 1897. 

Entirely different from the first Master was the personality of the sec¬ 
ond. So far from being hail fellow, W. Bro. Ilsley was rather more 
inclined toward a deep religious feeling. While cheerful and agreeable, 
jokes and trivialities did not appeal favorably to him. He was usually 
engrossed with business cares and found time only occasionally for the 
little social gatherings which with regularity followed the meetings of 
the lodge. W. Bro. Ilsley was a native of the United States and was 
born in 1824. He engaged with somewhat indifferent success in the busi¬ 
ness of piano broker in Broome Street, and was very w T ell known to the 
leading musicians, by whom he was respected. He was a member of the 
various Masonic bodies and was Past Eminent Commander of De Witt 
Clinton Commandery, No. 27. Bro. Ilsley resided in Brooklyn, and for 
many years attended the meetings of Marsh Lodge, No. 188, of which he 
was made an honorary member. He frequently installed their officers and 
by them was greatly beloved. 

A superb past master’s jewel, purchased by individual sub¬ 
scriptions, was presented to R. W. Bro. Frederick Widdows 
in January. The Past Master expressed bis thanks in a 
characteristic speech abounding in witticisms and good 
feeling. 

Bro. Joel A. Gordinear, while travelling from Philadelphia, 
became snowbound in New Brunswick, N. J. The splendid 
hospitality shown by the brethren there to the New York 
brother was such that he brought the matter to the attention 
of the lodge, and a vote of thanks was officially sent to Union 
Lodge, New Brunswick, for its courtesy. 

A motion was introduced in March changing the hour of 
meeting to two o’clock in the afternoon. After discussion, 
upon a ballot being taken, the motion to change was lost. At 


1867 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


27 


the same time a motion was carried defining more clearly the 
duties of the Trustees. 

A committee to instruct new candidates was appointed, 
consisting of R. W. Bro. Widdows, Bros. Webb, Gordinear, 
O’Reilly and J. M. Burnett. 

Some objection being made to the rooms occupied by the 
lodge, it was resolved to return to the former place of meeting 
at No. 594 Broadway, and the Trustees were instructed to 
lease the large room formerly occupied by the lodge. The 
Trustees secured the rooms at an annual rental of $150, and 
on April 22 the lodge held a special communication there 
for work in the first degree. There were four candidates,, 
one of whom was Mr. William F. Sherwin, a pianist of ac¬ 
knowledged ability and well known as a writer of hymns 
and songs; Mr. Henry C. Peakes, an opera singer with a 
marvellous bass voice, was another. Upon the conclusion of 
the first degree work the Fellowcraft degree was conferred 
upon three waiting Entered Apprentices. 


VISIT OF PENNSYLVANIA GRAND OFFICERS. 

There was a flutter of excitement in the lodge on April 
30, when St. Cecile was honored by a visit from R. W. J. L. 
Goddard, Grand Master of Masons in the State of Pennsyl¬ 
vania, who entered the lodge room accompanied by a large 
delegation from the neighboring State, including R. W. Bro. 
Richard Yaux, D. G. M.; R. W. Bro. H. M. Deckert, J. G. 
W.; R. W. Bro. Sargent, S. G. D.; R. W. J. Boswell, Grand 
Treasurer, and numerous others more or less prominent in 
the craft. They were cordially received with appropriate 
honors by W. Bro. George F. Ilsley, who was ably assisted 
in properly receiving the distinguished guests by M. W. 
Robert D. Holmes, Grand Master. Another Masonic celeb¬ 
rity present at this reception was M. W. Bro. Pierson, P. G. 
M., of Minnesota. R. W. Robert Macoy and a large number 


28 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1867 


of eminent brethren of New York and New Jersey were also 
noted among the visitors. Brethren of St. Cecile provided 
instrumental and vocal music, and there were several highly 
interesting addresses. M. W. Robert D. Holmes, G. M., 
spoke in a flattering manner of the music which St. Cecile 
had provided at the previous session of the Grand Lodge, 
and cordially invited the lodge to officiate in a similar manner 
at the ensuing session of the grand body. The Master of 
St. Cecile responded by saying that St. Cecile Lodge would 
feel proud to furnish a musical programme for the Grand 
Lodge at any time. The second degree was then exemplified, 
after which the Grand Master of Pennsylvania complimented 
the officers of St. Cecile upon their efficiency and declared 
that the pleasure received by their visit had more than repaid 
him and his colleagues for their journey. 

It is a matter of record that the ritualistic work of St. 
Cecile Lodge at this time was of such superior character as 
to win praise from officers of Grand Lodges and other emi¬ 
nent Masons, who frequently commended the lodge for the 
excellent manner in which the impressive ceremonies were 
conducted. At the same time the lodge enjoyed an enviable 
reputation for the open-handed charity evinced npon all 
proper occasions and the atmosphere of brotherly love which 
pervaded the lodge. 

The ladies of the Eastern Star, a new order formed exclu¬ 
sively of feminine relatives of Masons, had long discussed a 
proposal to demonstrate for the members of St. Cecile Lodge 
their ability to preside in the lodge room as well as in the 
home, and upon receiving an invitation from the lodge they 
turned out in force on Thursday afternoon, May 30, giving 
a splendid exposition of their degree work, which pleased the 
spectators immensely. As the bills paid by St. Cecile for 
ice cream and other delicacies amounted to more than $90 
it will readily be seen that the feast was not wholly of an 
intellectual character. 

Agreeable to the request of the Grand Master, St. Cecile 


1867 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


29 ' 


Lodge was ready with another delightful musical programme 
at the opening of the Grand Lodge on June L The sessions 
were held in Irving Hall. Upon taking office M. W. Stephen 
H. Johnson, G. M., in appreciation of the services rendered 
by St. Cecile Lodge, appointed R. W. Frederick Widdows 
a Grand Steward, and at the same time Bro. George W. Mor¬ 
gan was appointed organist to the Grand Lodge. These- 
kindly expressions of appreciation from the Grand Master 
endeared him very much to the members of St. Cecile, espe¬ 
cially as the fair fame of the lodge was greatly enhanced 
thereby. 

A very successful concert was given by the lodge for the 
relief of distressed Masonic brethren resident in the South¬ 
ern States, but no extended account of the affair was made 
in the records of the lodge at that time. 

In the month of November the lodge was honored by the 
presence of M. W. Stephen LI. Johnson, G. M., attended by 
members of his staff, including R. W. John H. Anthon, D. 
G. M.; R. W. Joseph B. Chaffee, G. L.; R. W. Bros. J. H. 
Chase, S. J. Fisk, W. M. Gambling, and a number of others. 
The third degree was conferred in splendid form, winning 
numerous compliments from the Grand Master and other 
visitors. A motion was introduced at this communication 
changing the hour of meeting to half past two. After a 
short discussion the motion was carried. 

The next event of particular importance in the lodge- 
occurred at the communication of December 3. Word had 
been quietly passed among the members to be on hand as 
there was to be something of interest brought before them.. 
By special invitation M. W. Robert D. Holmes, P. G. M.,. 
was present. After briefly transacting the routine business,. 
W. Bro. Ilsley arose and expressed in words of warm feeling 
the great love and esteem felt by all the members of St. 
Cecile Lodge for the Past Grand Master. He then pre¬ 
sented Most Worshipful Bro. Holmes with a certificate of 
honorary membership executed in most artistic style upon 


30 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1868 

parchment. The distinguished guest of the day replied with 
many expressions of esteem for St. Cecile, saying that the 
certificate would always be a cherished possession as long 
as he lived. The attendance on this occasion was exception¬ 
ally large and there was a great amount of enthusiasm. A 
musical programme was contributed by several members. 
Among the notable visitors to the lodge may be mentioned 
Bro. Carpenter, of Brant Lodge, chief of the Mohawk 
Indians. 

Very prosperous indeed was the lodge at the close of the 
year. The Trustees were instructed to open a bank account 
in the name of the lodge, which they subsequently did on Jan. 
29, 1868, in the Manhattan Savings Institution, starting 
the account with $426.35. The election of officers resulted 
in practically no change in the staff of the preceding year. 
During the election R. W. Robert Macoy presided and in¬ 
stalled the officers in their several stations. 


1868. 

During the month of March R. W. Bro. Widdows intro¬ 
duced to the members of the lodge Bro. Ole Bull, the cele¬ 
brated violin virtuoso, who was making concert tours under the 
management of Bro. Widdows. The distinguished musician 
made a short address to the brethren, in the course of which 
he said that if in the city at the time he would play with 
the musicians of St. Cecile Lodge at the next opening session 
of the Grand Lodge. 

The great popularity of the founder of St. Cecile Lodge 
was manifested in many ways. Formal notice was received 
in April from Clinton Lodge, Ho. 453, that R. W. Frederick 
Widdows had been elected an honorary member of that body, 
as he had already been distinguished the previous year by 
Hew York Lodge. These evidences of favor gratified his 


1868 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


31 


numerous friends, and the Secretary was requested to write 
a letter of thanks to Clinton Lodge. 

Applicants for financial assistance became so numerous 
during the severe winter weather that there was considerable 
talk as to the advisability of maintaining a separate charity 
fund in the lodge for the relief of the distressed, but the 
idea was abandoned upon receiving an adverse report from 
a committee appointed to consider the various phases of the 
matter. 

Death removed from the ranks of Arcana Lodge, No. 246, 
Bro. Reuben Lowell, a member well known to the musicians, 
and a large number of the brethren of St. Cecile attended 
the Masonic services which were held in the lodge room on 
Sunday afternoon, May 10. 

Under the direction of W. Bro. George Ilsley, an enjoyable 
programme of music was provided for the opening session of 
the Grand Lodge. The meetings of the grand body were 
held at Cooper Institute, beginning June 2. Many com¬ 
pliments were heard concerning the superior character of 
the entertainment contributed by the musicians of St. Cecile 
on this occasion. 

A large delegation of the brethren of Rhinebeck and Hud¬ 
son River Lodges was received on June 18 by the Master 
of St. Cecile. The visitors were entertained with a special 
musicale, after which there were refreshments. 

Some of those who sought admission found that St. Cecile 
Lodge, though small in numbers, was determined that no 
unworthy material should knowingly be accepted into the 
membership. A well-known editor, employed upon one of 
the leading dailies, did not reach the standard. He made 
application, but found to his surprise that the doors were 
tightly closed against him. 

The heartfelt sympathy of the members went out to Bro. 
David Graham, Secretary of the lodge, upon the death of a 
well-beloved daughter, who died during September. The 
young lady was in her eighteenth year, the pride and joy of 


32 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1869 


her father, who was greatly affected by her death. The lodge 
was summoned by the Master and attended the funeral in 
a body. Resolutions were adopted by the lodge on Oct. 20, 
expressing the condolence of the brethren. 

One of the first printers who joined the lodge was Sigis- 
mund Voytits, who applied for admission October 20. He 
was accepted, and remained an esteemed and honored mem¬ 
ber until his death, in 1881. 

That new members might be properly instructed the lodge 
appointed a committee, consisting of Bros. John Denham, 
Thomas D. Benson and John M. Burnett, to attend to this 
important duty. The committee was authorized to rent a 
room when necessary, at the expense of the lodge. 

There were eighteen new members added to the roll during 
the year, and the receipts exceeded the expenditures 
$537.71. The reports of officers showed the lodge to be pros¬ 
pering in every way. The election of officers was harmoni¬ 
ous and satisfactory. Bro. John M. Burnett was elected Wor¬ 
shipful Master, Bro. David L. Downing Senior Warden, 
and Bro. William F. Sherwin Junior Warden. W. Bro. 
George F. Ilsley presided during the election and afterward 
installed the officers. The appointments w T ere practically the 
same as in the preceding year. The lodge passed resolutions 
eulogizing the work of the officers for the past year, and at 
the adjournment the brethren enjoyed a jolly banquet. 

At the next stated meeting W. Bro. John M. Burnett pre¬ 
sented the lodge with a large and expensive photograph 
album and requested the brethren to contribute their photo¬ 
graphs. The brother was thanked by a formal resolution 
for his handsome gift. 


1869. 


W. Bro. John M. Burxett (Printer and Stationer) was 
raised in Central Lodge, Ho. 361. Affiliated with St. Cecile 


1869 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


33 


Lodge, No. 568, Oct. 17, 1865. Elected Senior Warden, 
1867-68; Master, 1869. Died in Plainfield, N. J., January 
28, 1874, under which year a biographical sketch of the 
Worshipful Brother will be found. 

The new year was inaugurated with earnest effort on the 
part of the officers to get the membership out to lodge meet¬ 
ings at half past two o’clock, but the Master’s gavel rarely 
sounded before three o’clock. Among the more notable visi¬ 
tors during January was M. W. John W. Simons, Past Grand 
Master. Delegates to the Board of Belief were Bros. Ilsley, 
Eromme and Voytits. 

In February W. Bro. Ilsley and Bros. Graham and 
Eromme were appointed a Committee on By-laws, and in¬ 
structed to revise the existing laws and report, with recom¬ 
mendations, to the lodge. 

About the first of February a fraternal invitation to visit 
Mozart Lodge, Philadelphia, was received. After earnest 
discussion it was decided that it would be inexpedient to 
accept, but an invitation was extended to the Pennsylvania 
brethren to come to the metropolis as the guests of St. Cecile. 
In due time the invitation was accepted, and a Deception 
Committee, consisting of the Master, Wardens and W. Bro. 
Ilsley, was appointed to make the necessary arrangements 
for properly entertaining the visitors. On March 2 W. Bro. 
Livingston, accompanied by his staff of officers and a large 
number of the members of Mozart Lodge, was received by 
W. Bro. Burnett, assisted by B. W. Jerome Buck, W. Bro. 
Ilsley and others. After a number of complimentary 
speeches by the visiting brethren the third degree was con¬ 
ferred upon four candidates, W. Bro. Ilsley occupying the 
east. During the afternoon there was much special music, 
and several vocal solos were sung by professional brethren. 
The lodge was closed in full form, and the brethren ad¬ 
journed to the Sinclair House, No. 752 Broadway, where, 
judging from the menu, a glorious spread awaited the diners. 


34 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1869 


M E A T L T . 


SOUP. 

Oyster. 

BOILED. 

Spiced Beef. Corned Beef. Ham. Beef Tongue. 

ROAST. 

Turkey, Cranberry Sauce. Duck, Apple Sauce. 

Capon, Cranberry Sauce. Ribs of Beef. 

SALADS. 

Chicken. Lobster. 

RELISHES. 

Celery. French Olives. Chow Chow Assorted Pickles. 

PASTRY. 

Apple Pie. Custard Pie. 

FRUIT. 

Oranges. Apples. Figs. Nuts. Raisins. 

DESSERT. 

Vanilla Ice Cream. French Coffee. 


The visitors returned home at a proper hour in a happy 
frame of mind, delighted with the hospitality shown them. 
This was the most ambitious social undertaking of the lodge 
up to that time, and was a brilliant success in every particular. 

Among the resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodge in 
June, I 860 , was the following: 

Resolved, That a permanent and standing invitation be extended to 
St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, of this city, requesting them to furnish here¬ 
after full and appropriate Masonic music at the opening ceremonies of 
each annual communication of this Grand Lodge. 

The adoption of this resolution by a unanimous vote natu¬ 
rally filled the members of St. Cecile with pardonable feel¬ 
ings of pride, and they were the recipients of many compli¬ 
ments from brethren of other lodges. 

From Bro. Thomas S. Tfedham the lodge received a very 

o *j 


1869] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


35 


handsome sign, which was placed at the street door to aid 
visitors in finding the lodge rooms. The lodge thanked the 
brother for his thoughtfulness. 

W. Bro. Livingston, of Mozart Lodge, Philadelphia, was 
present at the communication of Aug 17, and thanked the 
lodge for the hospitality shown the brethren of Mozart upon 
the occasion of their visit in March. 

At the stated meeting of August 31 the following com¬ 
munication was read and ordered spread in full upon the 
minutes: 

Memphis, Tenn., July 7, 1869. 

To the Officers and Members of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, 
New York :— 

Brothers —I am ordered by the Memphis Board of Relief to inform 
you that Bro. Alfred Burnett, a member of your lodge, tendered to our 
board a complimentary benefit that was well attended and added to our 
fund very materially. Bro. Burnett desired that if we extended any 
thanks for his gratuitous benefit it should be wholly given to his own 
lodge. We therefore wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to your lodge 
for the pleasant and profitable entertainment afforded us by Bro. Alfred 
Burnett, and to extend to every individual member of your lodge our best 
wishes for your prosperity and happiness. 

Yours Fraternally, 

[seal] A. J. Wheeler, Secretary , 

Memphis Board of Relief. 

Thus it will be seen that this estimable and talented 
brother, a famous professional entertainer of the day, never 
at any time forgot his lodge, and it may be said that his 
affection for St. Cecile continued until the very end of his 
days, and was frequently manifested. 

Probably the most notable communication held by the 
lodge in the first four years of its existence occurred on 
Tuesday, October 19, when St. Cecile was honored with a 
fraternal visit by B. W. Bichard Vaux, Grand Master of 
Masons in the State of Pennsylvania, attended by members 
of his staff and a large delegation of brethren from Mozart, 
Union and Solomon Lodges, of Philadelphia. W. Bro. John 
M. Burnett was assisted in welcoming guests of such distinc- 


36 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1869 


tion by R. W. James M. Austin, Grand Secretary, who apolo¬ 
gized for the unavoidable absence of M. W. James Gibson, 
Grand Master of New York. R. W. Bro. Austin delivered 
a most felicitous address of welcome, to which R. TV. Bro. 
Vaux replied with expressions of affection for the fraternity 
of the Empire State. He informed the brethren that the 
fair fame of St. Cecile Lodge was well known and appreci¬ 
ated by the brethren of the Keystone State. After the sev¬ 
eral interesting addresses the lodge proceeded to the work 
of the third degree. The visitors were loud in their ad¬ 
miration of the splendid rendition of the standard work by 
the officers of St. Cecile, and complimented all upon the pro¬ 
ficiency displayed. There was a large audience present, and 
even standing room was scarce. Music was provided by a 
number of the brethren, and this feature was favorably com¬ 
mented upon by the guests. After formally closing, all the 
visitors, including representatives from Rhinebeck, Mystic 
Tie, Montauk, Marsh and other New York lodges, together 
with the Pennsylvanians, repaired to the Astor House, then 
the leading hostelry of the city, where the committee had 
arranged an elaborate banquet in honor of the distinguished 
guests. The postprandial speeches were of a high order, 
and of toasts there was a profusion, interspersed with stirring 
songs, evoking great enthusiasm. Famous throughout the 
land as a wit, R. W. Bro. Vaux kept his auditors in roars 
of laughter by his humorous sallies. The function was an 
unusually brilliant one, and was reported in the daily news¬ 
papers. Certainly the occasion w T as one not to be forgotten 
by those fortunate enough to be present. The committee 
in charge of the arrangements were deservedly praised for 
their successful efforts. 

Bro. Alfred Burnett returned to the metropolis in De¬ 
cember, and on his appearance among the brethren in the 
lodge room was warmly welcomed by all and thanked by the 
lodge for the magnificent manner in which he had exem¬ 
plified the principles of the fraternity while on his travels. 


1869 ] 


OF ST. CEC1LE LODGE. 


37 


SOME SKETCHES OF PIONEER MEMBERS. 

Glancing over the early register we find many names famil¬ 
iar to old-time Masons. Among those who attained celebrity 
was Bro. John R. Thomas, who was made a Mason in Mystic 
Tie Lodge, Ro. 272, April 9, 1857, and who was afterward 
one of the founders of St. Cecile. He was born in Newport, 
Wales, March 26, 1829, and came to New York in 1849. He 
dropped out of the lodge after a few years and died April 5, 
1896. Aside from his numerous musical compositions Bro. 
Thomas was favorably known as leading baritone with the 
Seguin Opera Company, and with Clara Louise Kellogg, 
Parepa Rosa, and with the famous Buckley’s minstrels. He 
sang in the fashionable Calvary Church at times, and in the 
same year that saw the birth of St. Cecile he was created a 
bard by the Welsh societies. Bro. Thomas was an honorary 
member of St. David’s Society and other similar organiza¬ 
tions. In addition to the well known ballads which bear his 
name, he wrote the operetta “ Diamond Cut Diamond.” 
The following is from his “ Old Friends and Old Times”: 

Thinking of old times, hopes ne’er to be, 

Speaking of old friends, far o’er the sea; 

Distance can change not dear ones like you, 

Fortune estrange not hearts that are true. 

Tlius in the twilight fond thoughts will stray 
Back to the old homes, homes far away, 

Another charter member who will be remembered with 
pleasure by many is Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr., who was 
raised in Americus Lodge, No. 535, December 11, 1863. 
Bro. Weeks was a tall man, blond, with blue eyes, and of 
generally handsome appearance. By profession he was an 
opera singer who filled engagements with many musical or¬ 
ganizations and sang in the large churches. He often obliged 
with fine tenor solos at lodge meetings. When St. Cecile was 
chartered Bro. Weeks was slated for Junior Warden, but as 


38 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[I860 


the time neared he was compelled to relinquish the idea 
because of a professional engagement out of the city. He 
died in the State Homoeopathic Hospital at Middletown, 
H. Y., June 30, 1900. 

Bro. George W. Morgan was raised in Montauk Lodge, 
Ho. 286, September 5, 1854, and withdrew in 1865 to be¬ 
come a charter member of St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568. He 
was appointed Grand Lodge Organist by M. W. Robert 
Holmes, and was reappointed by many subsequent Grand 
Masters. On his appearance after receiving his first appoint¬ 
ment he was received in St. Cecile with grand honors. While 
engaged in an extended concert tour in later years he was 
taken suddenly seriously ill in Tacoma, Wash., and died July 
10, 1892. Bro. George W. Morgan was born in England, 
April 9, 1822. As a mere lad he attracted unusual attention 
as a vocal soloist in large churches. He came to America in 
1853, making his home in Hew York, but occasionally visited 
Europe. He soon became internationally famous as an organ¬ 
ist, and filled engagements at St. Thomas’ and Grace Church, 
besides giving many public concerts. Bro. Morgan is reputed 
to have been the first musician to play in America the organ 
compositions of Bach and Mendelssohn. He is also said to 
have been the first to play a Bach fugue with pedal obligato, 
and he did much to popularize organ music in the United 
States. He was Organist of St. Cecile for many years. It 
was his delight to play the great organ at Grand Lodge ses¬ 
sions and he wrote a great deal of special music for these 
occasions. He was a natural musician and an organist of the 
very first rank. 

Of those installed in the various offices when the lodge was 
chartered all have passed away except one. Bro. Thomas S. 
Hedham was raised in Greenwich Lodge, Ho. 467, April 25, 
1862. He affiliated with St. Cecile, March 28, 1865, two 
months after the formation of the lodge under dispensation, 
and although not one of the original petitioners, because of 
his absence in Europe at the time, may fairly be said to have 


1869 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


39 


been one of the founders, his being the fourteenth name on 
the roll. Bro. Nedham is the Junior Warden mentioned in 
the charter. Although not afterward holding office other 
than that of Organist and Trustee several terms, none takes a 
keener interest in the lodge. Bro. Nedham was born in 
Leicestershire, England, November 21, 1818, and attended 
boarding school in Warwickshire. During six years’ service 
as apprentice to a chemist in Nottingham he became inter¬ 
ested in the study of music and took violin lessons. He 
entered the Koyal Navy as bandmaster in 1843 and spent 
four years cruising in the West Indies and the Mediterra¬ 
nean, retiring to take up the profession of music in his native 
town. He married in March, 1848, and on April 1 sailed from 
Liverpool for New York, which was finally reached after a 
pleasant voyage of thirty-three days! Bro. Nedham at once 
obtained a position to play second violin at the Broadway 
Theatre, then a few doors from Worth Street. He afterward 
played in the orchestra at Castle Garden, and for eleven years 
played oboe and second violin at Burton’s Theatre, in Cham¬ 
bers Street. His last theatre engagement was at Wallack’s. 
In 1852 he became a piano tuner, and was for seven years 
each with Messrs. J. & D. Walker, the Chickerings and the 
Steinways, then a like period in business for himself. He 
retired in 1882, since which time he has crossed the Atlantic 
several times, visiting Norway, Bussia, Denmark, and other 
places of interest abroad, as well as the Yellowstone Park, 
Alaska, and other places of interest in the United States. 
Bro. Nedham finds much pleasure in reading, and the Mon¬ 
day evening recitals of classical chamber music at his home 
by a coterie of friends have attained wide celebrity. 

Besides the first Junior Warden there are still living sev¬ 
eral other brothers who by reason of long and faithful mem¬ 
bership deserve conspicuous recognition. Bro. Christian T. 
Plate, a musician, who has been in continuous good stand¬ 
ing since his initiation, August 21, 1866, up to the present, 
is one of these. For forty-one years he passed in and out 


40 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1869 

among the brethren without ostentation of any sort. The 
venerable brother by thrift and economy accumulated a com¬ 
petence sufficient to retire from active life and has sailed 
away to the Faderland for an indefinite period, taking with 
him the best wishes of a host of old friends, who have long 
admired his sterling character and worth. 

Another who is well and favorably known among musi¬ 
cians is Bro. Alexander Davis, who was made a Mason in 
St. Cecile Lodge, January 29,1867,and has a record of which 
any brother might well be proud. Bro. Davis was born in 
Quebec, Canada, February 22, 1838, and is a well preserved 
man who looks years younger than his age. He has been first 
cornetist in one or the other of the bands of the National 
Guard of New York for over forty years. He travelled with 
the famous Gilmore Band many years, and always takes de¬ 
light in playing for St. Cecile whenever opportunity offers. 

Bro. John G. Peeiffer is one of the few whose member¬ 
ship in St. Cecile Lodge dates back nearly to its beginning. 
He was raised in St. Cecile, March 5, 1867, and has been in 
continuous good standing ever since. In addition to long 
membership his services to the lodge have been many and 
extend over all these years. In 1868 he was Junior Master of 
Ceremonies; in 1869, Senior Deacon; in 1870, Junior War¬ 
den; in 1875 again Senior Deacon, and in 1876 Senior War¬ 
den. By some inexplicable combination of circumstances he 
was side-tracked for Master, although he believed that eventu¬ 
ally he would be elected. However, Bro. Pfeiffer although 
disappointed never lost interest in St. Cecile. No musician 
has ever been more willing when called upon to play for the 
lodge. Bro. Pfeiffer has had an interesting and varied 
career as a musician. He was born in Missouri in 1843, and 
upon starting his professional life secured a position in the 
Naval Academy at Annapolis, also playing at Newport. For 
many years he travelled with leading theatrical attractions, 
was with the Mapleson Opera Company, the Emma Juch 
and other celebrated opera organizations, and for fifteen 


1869 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


41 


years had charge of the stage music at the Metropolitan Opera 
House, in Hew York City. He still attends lodge meetings 
regularly. 

Bro. John C. Denham, a machinist, has been a member 
since December 31, 1867. For the last few years he has been 
quartered in the Soldiers’ Home in Steuben Co., Hew York. 

Among those who have passed out of the lodge are many 
at one time conspicuous in the membership. Bro. Harrison 
Millard, the well known composer, affiliated with St. Cecile 
in 1867 from Mount Lebanon Lodge. He was born in Boston, 
Mass., Hovember 27, 1829. In boyhood he was an alto 
singer, and before the war taught music in Hew York. He 
was intensely patriotic, and served with distinction in the 
Seventy-first Hew York Volunteers. He was wounded in 
action, but recovered and was appointed by President Lincoln 
a first lieutenant in the regular service. In later years he 
was tenor soloist at the Broadway Tabernacle. He wrote 
“ Waiting,” “ Under the Daisies,” “ When the Tide Comes 
In,” and other songs, and a Mass in A flat favorably known 
to musicians. He composed music expressly for St. Cecile 
upon several important occasions. He dropped out of the 
lodge in 1880, and died in 1895. The following is from 
"Vive l’America,” one of his best known patriotic songs:— 

Noble Republic, happiest of lands! 

Foremost of nations Columbia stands! 

Freedom’s proud banner floats in the skies, 

Where shouts of liberty daily arise. 

United we stand, divided we fall, 

Union forever, freedom for all; 

Throughout the world our motto shall be 
Viva 1’America, home of the free, 

Bro. Harvey B. Dod worth was a very popular band¬ 
master and composer of the day. He was a first-class instru¬ 
mentalist, and successively directed the orchestra at such 
notable theatres as Hiblo’s and Daly’s. He was the originator 
and for many years conductor of the Central Park concerts. 


42 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1869 


Bro. David Braham, orchestra leader at Harrigan and 
Hart’s in its palmy days, was famous for his catchy music. 

Bro. David Wallace Reeves, cornetist, won a name for 
excellence as leader of the American Band in Providence. 

Bro. Henry Mollenhauer, first-class ’cello soloist, estab¬ 
lished the well known Mollenhauer Conservatory of Music in 
Brooklyn. 

Bro. Edward Mollenhauer, famous violinist, formerly 
orchestra leader at Daly’s, Wallack’s and other prominent 
theatres, was very favorably known to music lovers throughout 
the United States and Europe. 

Bros. Benjamin A. Baker and John Moore were noted 
comedians in the old standard productions at leading theatres. 

Bro. William J. Castle, English operatic tenor, sang 
with Richings-Bernard and Parepa Rosa. Whenever in the 
city Bro. Castle could always be found at lodge meetings, 
and never required urging to sing for the delectation of the 
brethren. 

Then there was Bro. Gustav Scliirmer, music dealer, pub¬ 
lisher and importer; Bro. Thomas D. Benson, who manip¬ 
ulated the calcium lights for the great theatrical produc¬ 
tions ; Bro. George W. Harrison, actor; Bro. Alexander- 
Murray, M.D.; Rev. Bro. William S. Coffey, of East Chester, 
Chaplain of the lodge; Bro. William B. Taylor, music 
printer; Bro. Edward T. Hardy, lawyer; Bro. Francesco 
Ramacciotto, manufacturer of piano strings; Bro. Henry 
Conraider, railroad conductor; Bro. George A. Ramseyer, 
manufacturer of piano stools; Bro. Alonzo Rice, photog¬ 
rapher; Bro. John Wild, comedian; Bro. Charles H. Ludwig, 
insurance agent. Among the musicians were Bros. John M. 
Lander, who is later referred to in these pages; and Carl P. 
Sohst, cornetist, a very fine player, who was a member of the 
Philharmonic Society. The foregoing brethren were all 
among the first hundred members whose names were affixed 
to the roll, and nearly all of whom are dead. 

Among those reported ill during the latter week of Hovem- 



WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1870 






1869 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


43 


her Avas M. W. Robert D. Holmes, Past Grand Master, who 
was one of the most conspicuous figures in the Masonic life 
of the metropolis and a never failing friend of St. Cecile 
Lodge. Some of his kindly acts have already been referred 
to in these pages. Much solicitude was expressed in the lodge 
when it was learned that Most Worshipful Bro. Holmes was 
ill, and a committee was at once appointed to visit him and 
extend the sympathy of the brethren, with an earnest wish for 
his early recovery. Committees were also named to visit 
several brethren of the lodge suffering from slight ailments. 

In view of the lavish entertainments and numerous chari¬ 
ties of the lodge, it was not surprising that the report of the 
secretary disclosed the fact that the receipts of the year had 
been $124.93 less than the expenditures. The report of the 
Trustees expressed regret that no increase had been made in 
the funds in bank during the year. There was, however, an 
increase of fourteen in the membership. The Treasurer’s 
report was as follows: 


In bank . . . . 

In treasury . . . 

From propositions 
From initiations . 
From affiliations . 
From dues . . . 

Disbursements . . 


. . . $326.35 

. . . 211.36 

$140.00 
280.00 
30.00 

427.50— 877.50 
. . . 1,002.43 


The Secretary reported that twenty-six stated communi¬ 
cations and one special had been held, and that there were 
89 Master Masons in good standing. There were several 
waiting for degrees. The Finance Committee recommended 
that a vote of thanks be tendered to the Secretary and Treas¬ 
urer for the “ very able and faithful manner in which they 
had performed their duties.” Bro. David L. Downing was 
elected Worshipful Master, Bro. William F. Sherwin Senior 
Warden, and Bro. John G. Pfeiffer Junior Warden. Bro. 
David Graham was re-elected Secretary, and Bro. Henry 
Tissington, Treasurer. The newly elected and appointed 









44 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1869 


officers were regularly installed by E. W. Bro. Wiltsie, 
assisted by W. Bro. Ilsley. A committee was appointed to 
draft suitable resolutions for presentation to the retiring 
master, W. Bro. John M. Burnett. 


And thus in peace and harmony passed the first five years 
of the lodge’s existence. Always an object of unusual in¬ 
terest from the beginning, it was becoming famous through¬ 
out the world, as E. W. Frederick Widdows heard good words 
concerning St Cecile Lodge upon his visit to England. One 
of the chief blessings was that not one death had occurred 
in the ranks, and the multifold mercies of the Supreme Ar¬ 
chitect were remembered with thankful hearts by all. Of 
the labors of the lodge the chief events have been enumerated. 
There was an ever present desire to fulfil faithfully all the 
responsibilities of membership. Whatever of prosperity was 
the portion of the lodge was always regarded as in direct 
ratio to accepted opportunities for doing good. There was a 
general feeling that St. Cecile had an unusually promising 
field of labor, and one not occupied by any other lodge. 



1870 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


45 


IN THE SEVENTIES. 


Here, brothers, secure from all turmoil and danger, 
We reap what we sow, for the soil is our own ; 
We spread hospitality’s board for the stranger 
And care not a fig for a king on his throne; 

We never know want, for we live by our labor, 

And in it contentment and happiness find. 

— Morris. 


1870. 

W. Bro. David Lorenzo Downing (Musician).—Raised 
in St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, April 18, 1865, his being the 
twelfth name on the roll. He was the first Senior Deacon 
when the lodge was regularly constituted; Junior Warden, 
1867-’68; Senior Warden, in 1869; Master, in 1870. ILe 
became one of the Trustees in 1871 and served continuously 
until his death, August 19, 1880. A biographical notice will 
be found under that year. 

Owing to the severity of the winter there were many ap¬ 
plications for financial assistance, a considerable number 
from widows of deceased Masons. The lodge dealt gener¬ 
ously with all deserving cases, which kept the relief com¬ 
mittees busy. 

The presentation of a bill for $3.33^ for four months’ 
advertising in the New York “ Era ” caused considerable 
merriment among the brethren. As the newspaper pro¬ 
prietors waived their claim for the fraction of a cent, the 
account was settled without serious clerical complications. 






46 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1870 


After a short illness, during which committees from St. 
Cecile Lodge frequently visited him, M. W. Robert D. Holmes, 
P. G. M., suddenly passed away on March 12. Intelli¬ 
gence of the death of this valued friend produced a feeling 
of profound sorrow among the members of the lodge, to whom 
he had by innumerable kindly acts endeared himself. A 
self-made man, M. W. Bro. Holmes left at the close of his 
life a record seldom equalled for activity in the various 
spheres in which he moved. He was a personal friend of 
the founders of St. Cecile, and was elected an honorary 
member in July, 1866. Resolutions expressing the deep 
sorrow of the brethren were adopted, ordered spread upon 
the minutes and an engrossed copy sent to the family of the 
-deceased. The lodge room was draped for thirty days. The 
funeral ceremonies, which were held in Grace Chapel on 
March 16, were largely attended. Members of St. Cecile 
formed in procession and marched to the church. The inter¬ 
ment was in Greenwood Cemetery. 

Closely following the demise of M. W. Bro. Holmes came 
news from London, England, that Bro. Edward Dalling of 
St. Cecile, who will be remembered by old theatre-goers as 
a celebrated pantomimist who played with Maffit, had died 
in that city February 17. While performing on the stage 
the previous year Bro. Dalling met with a painful accident, 
from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He was 
the first member of the lodge to die. 

An encyclical letter was received from M. W. James Gib¬ 
son, Grand Master, in regard to the raising of funds with 
which to build a new Temple. The site selected was at the 
northeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Twenty-third Street, 
opposite the then famous Booth’s Theatre, which the Trus¬ 
tees of the Hall and Asylum Eund had purchased in 1869 
for $340,000. The lodge appointed Bros. William E. Slier- 
win, J. E. C. Rietzel, Louis Eromme, David Graham, Wil¬ 
liam Keating, John Lanktree and John G. Pfeiffer a com¬ 
mittee to solicit subscriptions in aid of the fund. 


1870 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


47 


LAYING OF CORNER STONE OF MASONIC TEMPLE. 

A communication was received in April from the Grand 
Master, notifying the lodge that he had selected St. Cecile 
to take charge of the musical programme at the laying of the 
corner stone of the new Temple on June 8. Accordingly, the 
Secretary of St. Cecile was directed to address a letter to 
other city lodges, requesting them to co-operate with St. 
Cecile in singing the odes at the ceremony. Badges were 
ordered for the brethren to wear in the parade previous to 
the ceremony of laying the stone. The Master and Wardens 
were appointed a Reception Committee, to act in unison 
with a similar committee from St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, 
to receive and entertain the brethren of Mozart Lodge, Phila¬ 
delphia, who had accepted an invitation to be present and 
assist in the musical exercises. The Reception Committee 
was empowered to draw upon the lodge funds to meet the 
expense of properly entertaining the visitors. On Monday 
afternoon preceding the ceremonies a rehearsal of the music 
was held. 

The “ first stone of the corner 77 was laid on Wednesday, 
June 8, 1870. The exercises of the day began with a great 
parade of “ Master Masons in dark clothing, high black hats, 
white linen aprons and white gloves. 77 The procession 
formed in the neighborhood of West Fourteenth Street, and 
was joined in Fifth Avenue by members of the Grand Lodge, 
which that day assembled in Apollo Llall: 


M. W. James Gibson, Grand Master. 

R. W. John H. Anthon, Deputy Grand Master. 
R. W. Christopher G. Fox, S. G. W. 

R. W. Edmund L. Judson, J. G. W. 

M. W. John W. Simons, G. Treas. 

R. W. James M. Austin, G. Secretary. 

R. W. Rev. R. L. Schoonmaker, \ 

“ Ferdinand C. Ewer, > G. Chaplains. 
“ John G. Webster, ) 

R. W. Charles B. Foster, G. Marshal. 

R. W. Cornelius Esselstyn, G. Standard Bearer. 


48 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1870 


11. W. R. H. Huntington, G. Sword Bearer. 
R. W. John Boyd, ^ 


’| 

R. W. James M. Fuller, j 
R. W. C. A. Marvin, G. S. D. 

R. W. Charles E. Young, G. J. D. 

W. Johnston Fountain, G. Pursuivant. 
W. John Hoole, G. Tiler. 



^ G. Stewards. 


Great numbers of Masons from other jurisdictions partici¬ 
pated in the demonstration. More than 12,000 Master 
Masons were in the parade. Such an imposing spectacle is 
seldom witnessed. The ceremonies at the setting of the stone 
were fittingly solemn and impressive, and of a character so 
interesting that, despite their unusual length, the immense 
throng remained quietly to the end. St. Cecile Lodge had 
an important part in the great work of the day, as will be 
seen from the programme, which follows: 


PROGRAMME. 


Prayer—Grand Chaplain. 

Anthem—Sung by St. Cecile Lodge, Bro. William F. Sherwin, Chorus 


Conductor; W. Bro. David L. Downing, Leader Seventy-first 
Regiment Band. Words and music by Bro. Harrison Mil¬ 
lard, of St. Cecile Lodge. 

Here we meet to lay the Stone, 

Here our Temple shall he found; 

Here our hearts, not hands alone, 

By the mystic tie are hound. 

Here the craft will meet again 
On the Level, tried and known, 

Meet as brothers , part as men 
Bound by ties now sacred grown. 

Here for ages may it stand, 

Like a beacon, light to give; 

While life's waves shall wash the strand 
Here Masonic Truth shall live; 

Here our jewels shall be stored — 

Peace and Love, Masonic gems, 

Hung like pearls on Virtue's cord. 

Truths more bright than diadems. 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


49 


1870 ] 


When the Architect of All 

( Heaven's Grand Master, full of love) 

From our labor us shall call 
To the Lodge prepared above, 

We will gather once again 

* Round our Great Commander’s throne, 

And degrees of bliss attain, 

Higher than on earth are known. 

R. W. John H. Anthon, Deputy Grand Master. 

Chairman of Committee. 

Invocation—Grand Chaplain. 

Anthem—Sung by Mozart Lodge, of Philadelphia. 

Grand Master. 

Anthem—Sung by St. Cecile Lodge ; words by Bro. A. Pike ; music by 
Bro. W. Iv. Bassford. 

“ In God ive trust,” was sweetly sung 
By every morning star on high; 

“ In God we trust,” right gladly rung 
From sons of God in loved reply; 

When from old Chaos systems rolled, 

Fron darkness, light in rosy youth, 

And Faith, enwrapped in clouds of gold, 

Taught men to know Masonic truth. 

“ In God tve trust,” the builders said, 

And Faith built up the Temple wall; 

In Hope our corner-stone is laid — 

Let Faith hold up our lofty Hall! 

May all be done by Square and Plumb, 

The walls be builded true and strong; 

And may we all together come 
To sing the dedication song. 

Here may ice with fidelity 
Our sacred covenants fulfil; 

Here Faith and Hope our sovereigns be, 

And Truth inspire the earnest will; 

Here loving kindness always reign, 

And toleration, born of love. 

Oh, may we not have lived in vain, 

When summoned to the Lodge above. 

Ceremony of Laying the Stone. 

Music—“ Egmont,” Downing’s Seventy-first Regiment Band. 


50 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1870 


Ceremonies. 

Anthem—Sung by St. Cecile Lodge. 

Ere this vast world was made, 

Or its foundations laid, 

Our art began; 

Cherub and cherubim, 

Seraph and seraphim, 

Joined in one glorious hymn 
Before the throne. 

God there Grand Master was; 

Fixed their unerring laics 
By His decree. 

Faith, Hope and Charity, 

Friendship and Unity, 

Truth, Love and Secrecy, 

All laws divine. 

Oh, may our constant theme 
To heaven’s great King supreme 
Be grateful love. 

May we, where’er we meet, 

Chant hallelujahs sweet, 

And ivith glad hearts repeat 
Jehovah’s praise! 

Ceremonies. 

Music—Orchestra of Mozart Lodge, Bro. C. R. Dodworth, Conductor. 
Ceremonies. 

Proclamation by the Grand Marshal. 

Oration—Rev. E. S. Porter. 

Anthem. 

Benediction—Grand Chaplain. 

On the evening of the same day thirty or forty New York 
Masons resident in Chicago held a great banquet at the Tre- 
mont House in that city. Among others present was R. W. 
Frederick Widdows, of St. Cecile, who was called upon to 
preside during the festivities. The congratulatory address 
prepared and sent by the banqueters to the Grand Lodge 
of New York during the evening will be found printed in 
full in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1870. 
Members of the Lodge of St. Cecile had reason to feel 


1870 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


51 


proud and happy over the splendid rendition of the musical 
programme of the corner-stone ceremonies. The Master took 
the first opportunity to officially thank Bros. Harrison Mil¬ 
lard and W. K. Bassford, as well as all the assisting brethren, 
for the notable artistic success attained. After the Grand 
Lodge session of June the following interesting communica¬ 
tion, with the seal of the Grand Lodge attached, signed by 
the Grand Secretary, was received and read for the edifica¬ 
tion of the brethren: 

To the Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 

568, of the City of New York : 

Greeting —Please take notice that the following resolution was unani¬ 
mously adopted by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Ac¬ 
cepted Masons of the State of New York, at the Annual Communication, 
held in the city of New York, on the 10th day of June, 5870:— 

Resolved —That the thanks of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of 
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York be and they are 
hereby tendered to our brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, of New York, and 
Mozart Lodge, of Philadelphia, for their aid rendered in the solemn and 
imposing musical service at the laying of the corner stone of the Masonic 
Hall. 

[seal] James M. Austin, Grand Secretary. 

During the months of July and August the lodge took a 
recess, convening for the autumn on September 6. A letter 
was read from the Boman Catholic Publication Society offer¬ 
ing for sale to the lodge a painting of St. Cecilia, but no 
action looking toward a purchase was taken. 

A check for $51.34, expenses incident to the corner-stone 
laying, was received from the Secretary of the Grand Lodge, 
which was duly acknowledged. 

During the succeeding months there was nothing of un¬ 
usual interest to record. The committee having in charge 
the subscriptions to Hall and Asylum Pund on December 20 
turned over to the lodge $100 which had been contributed 
by the brethren. On reading the yearly reports it was ob¬ 
served that there was a slight decrease in membership, but 
the assets were reported $506.91, a gain of nearly $100 over 


52 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1871 


the preceding year. W. Bro. David L. Downing, the Master, 
informed the brethren that the demands of his profession 
were such that he could not accept a re-election, 'and Bro. 
William P. Sherwin was thereupon unanimously elected to 
preside over the lodge during the year 1871. Bro. Myron 
A. Decker, who had served the preceding year as Marshal, 
was elected Senior Warden; Bro. Thomas Kroupa was elected 
Junior Warden, and the Treasurer and Secretary were unani¬ 
mously re-elected. The Trustees were Bros. David L. Down¬ 
ing and John G. Pfeiffer. Bro. Theodore Jacoby was 
appointed Senior Deacon. During the election there were 
thirty-nine brethren voting out of a total membership of 
seventy-four. R. W. Robert Macoy installed the officers, 
in which ceremony he was ably assisted by W. Bro. De Long, 
of Marsh Lodge, No. 188, who acted as Grand Marshal. 


1871. 

W. Bro. William Risk Sherwin (Musician and Com¬ 
poser).—Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, May 21, 1S68. 
Never occupied any of the subordinate stations; Junior 
Warden in 1869; Senior Warden in 1870, and Master in 
1871. Died in Boston, April 14, 1888. Was appointed 
Musical Director of the Grand Lodge by M. W. John H. 
Anthon, Grand Master, in 1871. 

There never has been, perhaps, in St. Cecile Lodge a man of loftier 
ideals than W. Bro. William F. Sherwin. Aside from his wide fame as 
a choral director and composer of hymns, Bro. Sherwin was known as 
a God-fearing man. He was deeply impressed with the wondrous works 
of the Supreme Architect, and delighted to dwell poetically upon the 
boundless mercy of the Creator, as evidenced in his “ God’s Love ”: 

Grander than ocean’s story, 

Or songs of forest trees; 

Truer than breath of morning, 

Or evening’s gentle breeze; 


1871] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


53 


Clearer than mountain echoes 
Ring out from peaks above, 

Rolls on the glorious anthem 
Of God’s eternal love. 

Who has not been inspired by “ Sound the Battle Cry,” another of 
his popular hymns, heard frequently in revival meetings to this day? 
Bro. Sherwin’s poems and hymns are so numerous and varied that it would 
be a task indeed to attempt to enumerate them. Bro. Sherwin was born 
in Buckland, Mass., March 14, 1826. In 1841 he studied music under 
Dr. Lowell Mason; in 1842 he became a school-teacher at Ellenville, 
X. Y., and from 1S45 till the beginning of the war he taught music in 
a female seminary in Albany. In 1865 he began teaching music in New 
York City. As a mere lad Bro. Sherwin had won fame as an alto singer, 
also playing creditably upon the violin. While in the metropolis he 
became leader of the Philharmonic Society in Jersey City. He was 
director of the celebrated Chautauqua choruses, numbering hundreds of 
trained singers, and at the time of his death was president of the New 
England Chautauqua Union, as well as an official of many other musical 
associations. He was an enthusiastic Mason from his first association 
with the fraternity, and was known as an honorable, lovable gentleman. 


In recognition of the many courtesies of W. Bro. John 
Gitfen, of Hew York Lodge, Ho. 330, he was elected to hon¬ 
orary membership, and a committee appointed to secure an 
engrossed certificate for presentation at an early date. 

As the Trustees had failed to report at the annual meeting, 
the Secretary was ordered to send them a summons to attend 
the meeting of March 21. 

Although St. Cecile had been honored from time to time 
by fraternal visits from most of the Grand Lodge officers, it 
was not until March 7 that the Lodge had the pleasure of 
receiving the Grand Treasurer, M. AY. John AA T . Simons. The 
distinguished brother entered the lodge room and was re¬ 
ceived in the east with appropriate honors. Lie spent the 
afternoon assisting in the work. 

The monument erected in Cypress Hills Cemetery by the 
Masonic Board of Relief was dedicated on the 21st of May 
with appropriate exercises in which St. Cecile Lodge took 
an active part. 


54 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATION'S 


[1871 


By resolution of the Grand Lodge at the annual session 
in June the Most Worshipful Grand Master was authorized 
to appoint a Grand Lodge Musical Director, “ Who shall 
have charge and direction of the music during the regular 
sessions and on all occasions of ceremony in which the Grand 
Lodge takes part.” M. W. John H. Anthon, Grand Master, 
thereupon appointed W. Bro. William F. Sherwin, Master 
of St. Cecile, to this, important position. Upon learning of 
this appointment the lodge presented the Master with a letter 
of congratulation upon his preferment. 

An invitation was received from M. W. John H. Anthon, 
Grand Master, requesting St. Cecile to participate in the cere¬ 
mony of laying the corner-stone of the State Capitol at Al¬ 
bany, but it. is not recorded that the lodge as an organization 
accepted the invitation. 

By the death of Bro. William Humphrey Dayas, on July 
27, the lodge lost one of the most popular and conscientious 
members—one who never wearied in well-doing. He never 
occupied any station in the lodge except that of organist, but 
served on many committees and was a regular attendant upon 
all meetings. Bro. Dayas signed the by-laws on October 31, 
1865, and was by profession a musician. The brethren were 
summoned to attend the funeral, and met on Sunday, July 
30, at the lodge rooms, Ho. 594 Broadway. All the officers 
were present, as well as a large number of the members. The 
lodge was formed in procession and proceeded to the residence, 
whence the body was borne to the Presbyterian Church in 
Twenty-third Street. Immediately after the services brethren 
of the lodge repaired to the rooms, where condolatory reso¬ 
lutions were adopted. Meanwhile a committee of members 
accompanied the funeral cortege to the cemetery. This was 
the first funeral ceremony that the lodge had been called upon 
to perform in the six years of its existence, and the proceed¬ 
ings made a deep impression upon the members. 

The great fire in Chicago in October presented an oppor^ 
tunity for the display of that generosity which distinguishes 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


55 


1871 ] 

Masonic lodges, and in consequence thereof St. Cecile was 
called in special session by the Senior Warden, Bro. Myron 
A. Decker, in the absence of the Master. The lodge promptly 
subscribed $100 to the fund for the relief of the sufferers by 
the terrible calamity. A graphic word picture of the confla¬ 
gration was given the brethren by R. W. Bro. Widdows, who 
had just returned from the stricken city. He also informed 
the brethren as to the measures of relief undertaken by the 
fraternity. 

The close of the year brought the annual meeting and the 
consideration of the various reports. These showed that the 
year had not brought gains, either in membership or money. 
The receipts had been $715.75, the expenditures $773.95, 
leaving a deficit of $58.20. There had been a decrease, also, 
in membership. In order to increase the revenue it was re¬ 
solved to raise the yearly dues from five dollars to six dollars.. 
The condition of affairs in the lodge, though not entirely 
satisfactory, was not altogether discouraging, and the brethren 
were not dismayed. They elected officers as usual and hope¬ 
fully promised themselves better things for the future. Bro. 
Myron A. Decker was chosen Master, Bro. Edward Hopkins 
Senior Warden, and Bro. Theodore Jacoby Junior Warden. 
The Treasurer and Secretary held over. Upon recommenda¬ 
tion of the Finance Committee resolutions were adopted com¬ 
plimenting Bro. David Graham, Secretary, upon the highly 
satisfactory manner in which he had performed the onerous 
duties of his office. These resolutions were ordered engrossed 
for presentation. During the election and installation W. 
Bro. William F. Sherwin presided. The Trustees reported 
that the lodge had $289.38 deposited in the Manhattan Sav¬ 
ings Bank, and that the property of the lodge consisted of 
“ one iron safe, one Bible, one set of jewels, four staves, 
eleven officers’ aprons, eighty white aprons, seven dozen white 
gloves, eighteen singing books, one sword for Tiler, one poign- 
ard, drawers, slippers, cabletows, mallet, canvas, etc., all in 
good order.” Verily, an outfit so complete left little to be 


5G 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1872 


desired. By vote of the lodge it was resolved to endeavor to 
bring sessions to a close no later than five o’clock in the after¬ 
noon. 


1872. 


W. Bro. Myron A. Decker (Piano Manufacturer).— 
liaised in Masters' Lodge, No. 5, Albany, N. 1l., Dec. 10, 
1855; withdrew in 1865 to become a charter member of St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568. Appointed Secretary while the lodge 
was working under dispensation, but was unable to accept. 
Marshal in 1870; Senior Warden in 1871; Master in 1872- 
73-74-87 ; Chaplain, 1879-80-84-85-86-90-94-96, and annually 
thereafter until his death in New York City, August 16, 1901. 
Also served many years as a Trustee. 

Brilliant and successful as many Masters have been in St. Cecile 
Lodge, few have left the enduring record for good work well done that 
was made by the late W. Bro. Decker. In the early seventies, during 
his first term as Master, he was absent but twice in the three years, both 
times because of serious illness. He was a man in whom many admi¬ 
rable qualities were evenly balanced, and left a reputation for wisdom 
as well as generosity which will never be forgotten in the lodge. He 
cared for St. Cecile with the solicitude of a tender parent, and spent 
hundreds of dollars in her behalf without the slightest ostentation. It 
was these lovable attributes which justly earned for him the affectionate 
appellation of “ Father of the Lodge.” Ilis rendition of the ritualistic 
work was impressive, and his exceedingly dignified appearance lent 
weight to his words. He was an imposing figure in all ceremonials, but 
without pedantry. Was a brother reported ill, in need? W. Bro. Decker 
was usually first to aid. Ilis friendship was sincere, practical; his 
course straightforward. Well beloved he was by all, and deservedly so. 
May his rest be peaceful; the awakening the realization of his con¬ 
fiding trust in the manifold goodness of “ Him who doeth all things 
well.” W. Bro. Decker was a native of Manchester, Ontario County, N. Y., 
where he was born January 2, 1823. After a brief season at the country 
school, at the age of thirteen he became an apprentice in a tannery. 
From there he went to Albany, where he learned cabinet making, later 
becoming an employe in Van Winkle’s piano factory. He was with 
Boardman & Gray for eight years, during which time he married and 
joined the Masonic order. In 1858 he concluded to strike out for him¬ 
self. lie came to the metropolis and started a small place in Broome 


1872 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


57 


Street. As the business increased it was successively removed to Twenty- 
second Street, to Fourteenth Street, to Eighty-seventh Street, and finally, 
in 1890, to the large factory in East 135th Street. 

Resolutions complimentary to the Secretary, which had 
been adopted at the annual meeting, had been handsomely 
engrossed and placed in a neat frame. At the meeting of 
January 16 W. Bro. William F. Sherwin addressed Bro. 
David Graham in a happy speech, calling attention to the 
Secretary’s onerous duties, and dwelling upon the satisfactory 
manner in which Bro. Graham had always performed every 
task allotted him. He then presented the resolutions, amid 
loud applause from the brethren. In accepting this expres¬ 
sion of appreciation Bro. Graham modestly thanked the 
brethren for their kindness. 

The meeting of January 30 proved to be one of somewhat 
unexpected interest. During the afternoon W. Bro. John 
Giffin, of Hew York Lodge, who was present, made a very 
felicitous address, paying a number of compliments to W. 
Bro. William F. Sherwin and his official staff for the excel¬ 
lent work done by them during the preceding year. At the 
conclusion of his remarks he presented to W. Bro. Sherwin 
a beautiful black walnut reception chair and writing desk, as 
a testimonial from his numerous friends in the lodge. The 
recipient expressed his pleasure at receiving so practical a 
gift, disclaiming any especial credit as his due and paying 
a glowing tribute to the fidelity of the officers who supported 
his efforts. He bespoke for the lodge many years of useful¬ 
ness and increasing prosperity. 

A report received from the Masonic Board of Relief stated 
that owing to the plethoric condition of the funds the per 
capita had been reduced from fifty cents to forty cents. This 
was taken as an indication of prosperity. 

There were many objectionable features about the meeting 
rooms at Ho. 594 Broadway, which caused a lot of complaints 
from the brethren. A committee was appointed to find bet¬ 
ter accommodations, but was unsuccessful. After the Trus- 


58 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1872 


tees reported that the rent had been reduced to $125 per year 
it was decided to continue in the present location for another 
twelvemonth. 

One of the particularly agreeable features of lodge meet¬ 
ings was the superior quality of the musical entertainment 
provided by brethren before the opening of the lodge and 
during the progress of the work. Among the artists fre¬ 
quently so contributing to the general enjoyment were Bros. 
Theodore Jacoby, Jacob Mallach, Thomas S. Dedham and J. 
Richter, who formed an instrumental quartet, rendering clas¬ 
sical selections in superb style. They were the recipients of 
many compliments from brother musicians, as well as from 
music-loving visitors to the lodge. 


LODGE ROOMS DESTROYED BY FIRE. 

The rooms then occupied by the lodge were in a building 
adjoining Niblo’s Theatre. A fire which demolished the play¬ 
house early Monday morning, May 6, did considerable damage 
to the contiguous buildings and ruined nearly all the para¬ 
phernalia of St. Cecile. The Trustees could find but little 
of the lodge property undamaged. Fortunately the records 
were elsewhere and were uninjured. W. Bro. Robert H. 
Thomas, of Kane Lodge, No. 454, promptly tendered to St. 
Cecile the hospitality of Kane’s splendid rooms at No. 948 
Broadway, with the use of that lodge’s paraphernalia. This 
timely offer was gratefully accepted, and St. Cecile held its 
first meeting there in the afternoon of the following day. 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, who presided, greatly consoled 
the brethren by the confident prediction that the outcome of 
this apparently serious disaster would be the betterment of 
the lodge. Many generous offers of assistance were received 
from sister lodges—too many in fact to permit of enumera¬ 
tion here—but it was finally decided to accept the proposal 
of Kane Lodge to rent its rooms at $275 per annum. A 



WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1872-73-74-87. 






















































































1872 ] OF ST. CECILE LODGE 59 

complication arose about the insurance to which the lodge 
was entitled. Secretary Graham was ill at his residence, 
and no trace of a valid policy could be found. The only 
document of the sort discovered was a policy which had ex¬ 
pired. The Secretary, when questioned by the Trustees, 
declared that the policy had been renewed, but the renewal 
certificate had not been delivered by the company. Matters 
appeared even worse when it was learned that the insurance 
company had suspended because of its great losses in the 
Chicago fire. It was then thought that the lodge must bear 
the entire loss. The Trustees were ordered to purchase an 
entire new outfit, and to have it properly insured. Though 
the case seemed almost hopeless, W. Bro. Decker never ceased 
his efforts to have the lodge reimbursed by the insurance 
company. He was at last successful, when it was learned that 
the company had resumed business. The claim was amicably 
adjusted December 29, 1874, the lodge accepting an indem¬ 
nity of $108.13 in settlement. 

A curious circumstance in connection with this fire which 
lias been talked of among the professional brethren of that 
day and which will be appreciated by orchestra players is 
the fact that no double bass viol was burned, although the 
musicians’ place was destroyed. The double bass is too cum¬ 
bersome to be conveniently removed every night from the 
theatre as the other orchestral instruments usually are, and 
when fire destroys a theatre during the run of a play at least 
one double bass is almost certain to be destroyed. It hap¬ 
pened on this particular occasion that the regular player, 
having a chance to earn a good fee by playing elsewhere on 
the preceding Saturday, obtained permission to absent him¬ 
self and took his bass viol with him. The substitute player, 
being engaged but for one day, brought his own instrument 
and at the close of the performance on Saturday night took 
it away again. Thus it happened that there was no double 
bass in the theatre at the time of the fire, a very unusual 
occurrence during a regular season. 


‘60 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1872 

A committee was appointed May 21 to revise the by-laws 
of the lodge. Those named for this work were W. Bro. David 
L. Downing, Bros. Edward Hopkins, Theodore Jacoby and 
Louis Fromme. The committee deserves great credit for the 
excellence of its work, which with slight subsequent change 
lias been the law of the lodge practically ever since the recom¬ 
mendations of the committee were duly presented to the lodge, 
and after adequate discussion adopted October 29. The 
“ Introduction/’ presented then in the by-laws for the first 
time, is a remarkably clear exposition of the principles and 
requirements of the Masonic order. It is as follows: 


INTRODUCTION. 


It is a common error of the times to class Freemasonry among secret 
societies. In the general acceptation of that term, nothing could be more 
unjust to us. It is true that our internal affairs are managed in our 
own way ; that the public at large are not admitted to our assemblies; 
that in the practice of charity, we do not suffer our left hand to know 
what the right doeth; but our principles, our aims, the designs drawn on 
our Trestle-board, are an open page whereon he who wills may read ; 
our Temples are on the highway, and to the worthy our doors are open ; 
our times and places of meeting are never concealed ; in a word, our 
general business and purposes are as public as need be required, and are 
conducted with no greater degree of secrecy than those of any well- 
governed institution, family, or individual. On the other hand, we espe¬ 
cially desire that our system should be scrutinized, that our inculcations 
should be tried by the test of fair public opinion, in the full confidence 
that, in the estimation of good men, it will now, as heretofore, prove 
“ like gold seven times tried in the fire.” 

Masonry is a universal system of morality, to which all men may 
•subscribe. While she discriminates between the stupid atheist, the liber¬ 
tine, the outlaw, and he who, believing in an eternal and all-powerful 
Creator, sees Him in all the works of His hands, she makes no inquiry 
into a man’s peculiar religious or political opinions, but strives to unite 
all in a generous brotherhood. 

As Masons, we open our Temples to all men, that they may be in¬ 
cited by precept and example to overcome the prejudices of their country, 
the errors they may have inherited from their fathers, to love and assist 
each other, to efface the conventional distinctions of birth, rank, opinion, 
or nationality, to annihilate fanaticism and superstition, to extirpate 
national hatred and the scourge of war; in short, to arrive by free and 


1872] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


er 


peaceful progress at that condition of humanity when each one, en¬ 
franchised from the darkness and errors of the past, shall be free to 
develop the faculties God has given him, and unite the whole family of 
man in the bonds of love, science and unity. 

It will not be argued, we apprehend, that the human race has arrived 
at that state of moral and physical beatitude when no further efforts 
for its amelioration are required, and it seems clear to us that a system 
presenting to the novitiate a series of indisputable truths, impressing 
them on his mind by solemn ceremonies, enstamping them on his memory 
by a beautiful symbology, teaching him to love and practice virtue and 
abhor vice, must be worthy of a place among the best efforts of humanity. 

We claim these things for Masonry, and for the truth of that claim 
we appeal to the history of the past—we call on the great and good in 
all ages of the world for their testimony. On that we are willing to 
rest; in it we find a reason, if a reason were needed, for our devotion 
to the system of Freemasonry. 

You have expressed a wish to become a part of the Fraternity of Free¬ 
masons. The realization of this desire will depend, under our organiza¬ 
tion, upon the judgment of the brethren as to whether you may be 
suitable material for the Order, and whether the Order is suitable for 
you. It will therefore be the duty of every member—in case you see 
fit to present your name—to institute diligent inquiries about you ; after 
which a vote by ballot will be taken, wherein one single negative will 
preclude your admission. Examine yourself again, therefore; see 
whether you can answer the expectations of the Order. Above all, en¬ 
deavor to become clearly conscious of what you seek among us, and what 
motives have led you to seek our society. In order to facilitate this self- 
examination, to guard you against a misstep, and to secure ourselves 
against the danger of being hereafter reproached for any disappointment 
on your part, we deem it a duty, previous to your proposal, to meet 
you with candor, and ask you to reflect on the following points : 

First. Do you expect by initiation into the Masonic Fraternity to 
obtain any outward advantages relative to your position as a citizen and 
as an individual? If so, pause while it is yet time; for, in this instance, 
you would be disappointed. 

Second. Would your present convictions prevent you from forgetting 
the differences made in society between individuals, as to their station, 
wealth, capacities, religious opinions, politics, etc.? If so, relinquish the 
idea of becoming a Freemason, as you would probably find no pleasure- 
in our meetings, where no notice is taken of these differences. 

Third. Should you, however, believe that we work at a chimerical 
annihilation of the necessary civil relations ; that we aim at a liberty 
and equality that are neither good nor practicable; or that we even teach 
a chilling indifference—then you will do well to consider your resolution 
to come among us; because, with such views, you would not suit our 
Order. 


02 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1872 


Fourth. Should your request for initiation arise only from curiosity, 
or, what is equally fallacious, the desire to enlarge the circle of your 
social acquaintance, we beg you, for your own sake, to renounce it— 
you would not attain your expectations. Neither your curiosity nor your 
desire to obtain secrets would be gratified. Your vanity might also be 
sensibly touched, when you found yourself beneath those whom you had, 
perhaps, heretofore considered your inferiors; and the mere social pur¬ 
pose you may accomplish in many other societies with greater ease and 
less restraint than with us. 

Fifth. Every Freemason, at his initiation, has to make a vow of the 
most inviolable secrecy. Disappointed expectations, aggrieved selfish¬ 
ness, excited passions, might induce some to break their word : yet, how 
singular it is, that, notwithstanding the possibility of such treason, our 
union continues to exist, and includes so many respectable men, identi¬ 
fied with us with all their strength. He who has finished his internal 
consecration and to whom the dead word has become a vital flame, can¬ 
not become a traitor to the Order. He, however, who breaks his vow 
commits treason against himself only, and thus proclaims that he has 
nothing of ours to reveal. From you such a vow will be demanded, and 
you should therefore seriously consider the motives by which you are 
governed. If you are not quite clear within yourself, you may be in 
danger of forgetting your vow and becoming a traitor, -which we never¬ 
theless do not fear on our account, but on yours. 

Sixth. The obligations which, as a Freemason, you will be required 
to assume, in no wise conflict with the duties you owe to God or the 
rulers of your country, neither with your honor, good manners, or 
domestic relations. 

Seventh. Our membership is also attended with some expense, which 
we require to be promptly and punctually paid, that our good works may 
not cease for want thereof. The amount you can readily ascertain (by 
reference to our by-laws), and you will give this consideration due 
attention. 

Eighth. As the Masonic Society, as has been already said, con¬ 
sists of men of all classes and circumstances, you might, perhaps, find 
some one among us with whom you have been or are at variance. It 
therefore requires serious deliberation on your part as to whether you 
will be strong enough to acknowledge such a man as your brother. 

Ninth. It may be also possible that you should meet some one in 
the Order whom, for good reason, you may deem unworthy of your 
esteem. A moment’s reflection must, however, convince you that the 
Fraternity cannot guard against all mistakes in regard to initiation; 
and it is probably no dishonor to it, when it, only in an extreme case, 
and then with great reluctance, renounces a man on whom it had once 
conferred the name of brother. But now, while you can still choose, 
consider seriously whether you will have the courage to bear with such 
a one, to lead the erring, to raise the fallen, to love one who almost 
seems to be past redemption. This is unquestionably one of the most 


1872 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


63 


difficult virtues, but it does not thereby cease to be such, and unless you 
are familiar with it you will never be a Freemason in the true sense 
of the word. 

The true Mason does not consider the duties of his profession as a 
substitute for the requirements of religion, but regards his Lodge as a 
Temple of the Most High, who is ever present when two or three are 
gathered together in His name. He does not rashly attempt to draw the 
Deity down to himself, but, in humble consciousness of his own im¬ 
perfection, he looks upward and endeavors to make the image of God, 
after whom he is created, visible in himself. 

We ask you to ponder on these remarks and allusions, assuring you, 
that if you find a place in your heart for the principles contained in 
them, you may hope for a generous welcome to the society in which you 
ask to be initiated. 

A more concise and beautiful declaration of principles or 
one furnishing richer material for the consideration of the 
thoughtful could scarcely he imagined. 

In October the Master had the pleasure of welcoming to 
the east R. W. J. Rand Bailey, Past Grand Secretary of the 
Grand Lodge of England, who was received with the honors 
due his exalted station. The distinguished visitor delivered 
a short address, which was received with marked favor. 

At the annual communication, with but two exceptions, 
the officers held over for another year. Seldom has a more 
harmonious election taken place in the lodge. During the 
election R. W. John C. Boak presided. He was ably assisted 
by R. W. Isaac H. Brown, A. G. L. At this communication 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, at his own expense, provided the 
lodge with a full set of handsome officers 7 aprons and the 
splendid set of working tools in use in the lodge at the present 
time. R. W. Isaac Brown, A. G. L., at this meeting was 
•elected to honorary membership. 

A complete list of the officers follows: 

Master.Myron A. Decker. 

Senior Warden .... Edward Hopkins. 

Junior Warden . . . Theodore Jacoby. 

Treasurer.Henry Tissington. 

Secretary.David Graham. 

Senior Deacon .... William J. Leonard. 






64 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1873 


Junior Deacon . . . 

Masters of Ceremonies 

Marshal. 

Organist. 

Tiler. 


Ernest Neyer. 

Alvin G. Kohler. 
Christian Jauss. 
Francesco Ramacciotto. 
Joseph Poznanski. 

L. Fromme. 


The Trustees were: W. Bro. David L. Downing, Bros. 
Thomas S. Nedham and Louis Fromme. The Standing Com¬ 
mittee: Bros. Edward Hopkins, Theodore Jacoby and Wil¬ 
liam J. Leonard. Presumably, there were no Stewards ap¬ 
pointed, as none are mentioned in the records. 

The receipts exceeded those of the previous year by nearly 
$500. The Treasurer reported having received $185.50 in 
subscriptions to the Hall and Asylum Fund, and the lodge 
added $14.50 to bring the total up to $200, which was turned 
over to the custodians of the fund. 


1873. 

Commendable excitement and generous enthusiasm among 
the ladies attended the opening of their fair in aid of the 
Hall and Asylum Fund on March 15 in Apollo Hall, in West 
Twenty-eighth Street. An excellent chorus was provided by 
St. Cecile Lodge and the members busied themselves with the 
sale of tickets to their friends and assisted the management 
of the fair in many other ways. W. Bro. James E. Morrison, 
of Atlantic Lodge, was chairman of the Committee on Music, 
ably assisted by W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, of St. Cecile. By 
the indefatigable energy of the Ladies’ Masonic Fair Asso¬ 
ciation more than $45,000 was added to the fund. 

A beautiful custom prevailing in the lodge was giving im¬ 
promptu concerts before the opening, while the members were 
strolling in. As the musicians contributing were generally of 
the best, many visitors were attracted to the meetings, and the- 
attendance was usually large. Among those who volunteered 





1873 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


65 


for this pleasing service during the year were Bros. George 
W. Morgan, Thomas S. Nedham, Joseph Poznanski, Henry 
Lautenschlager and Ernest Never, who with trios and quar¬ 
tets comprising various instruments gave entertainments of 
rare artistic excellence. One of the classic instrumental 
pieces rendered was Haydn’s “ Imperial Quartet.” Bro. 
Keppel also sang many beautiful songs with fine expression. 

Bro. David Graham proposed for honorary membership 
W. Bro. Robert H. Thomas, of Kane Lodge, No. 454, who 
had on numerous occasions assisted St. Cecile, especially dur¬ 
ing the crisis following the fire which destroyed the old lodge 
room. Bro. Graham, in presenting this petition, said he felt 
that the lodge would be greatly honored in having upon its 
roll the name of a brother so worthy. W. Bro. Thomas was 
then elected an honorary member. 

A special session of the lodge was called for October 21, 
for the purpose of considering a plan to raise money for the 
Hall and Asylum Fund for the completion of the Temple. 
On motion it was decided to loan the Fund $200 for two 
years, the sum to be taken from the lodge treasury. Accord¬ 
ingly, on November 4, the Trustees were authorized by vote 
of the lodge to draw the money from the bank, and it was 
soon after paid to the Hall and Asylum Fund Trustees, the 
lodge receiving therefor bonds payable two years from date. 
In addition to this another committee was appointed to re¬ 
ceive individual subscriptions. 

Meagre details of an appalling ocean disaster startled the 
world December 1. The French steamship Ville du Havre, 
which left New York on November 17, when about two hun¬ 
dred miles east of Newfoundland collided with the Loch 
Earn, a Scotch sailing ship. In the terrible wreck 226 lives 
were lost, only eighty-seven being saved. It was learned with 
deep sorrow that Bro. Luigi Squadrilli, a popular member 
who had joined St. Cecile Lodge eight months previous, was 
among the missing. Bro. Squadrilli was an importer, his 
place of business being Nos. 9-11 Maiden Lane, New York. 


66 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1874 


Return of the annual meeting brought the usual yearly re¬ 
ports. The Secretary reported 109 members in good stand¬ 
ing, and that twenty-three stated communications and one 
special had been held. The Treasurer’s report showed that 
the assets of the lodge were $303.20 and two Hall and Asylum 
bonds for $100 each. R. W. Bro. Frederick Widdows jour¬ 
neyed from Washington, D. C., expressly to meet with the 
brethren, and was warmly welcomed. The election was har¬ 
monious and was presided over by R. W. John C. Boak, who 
installed the elective officers, assisted by R. W. Bro. Wid¬ 
dows. There was little change of importance in the official 
roll. Bro. William J. Leonard replaced Bro. Jacoby as 
Junior Warden, and Bro. Ernest Heyer was appointed Senior 
Deacon in the place of Bro. Leonard. The other officers held 
over for another year. The appointed officers were installed 
at the meeting of December 30, W. Bro. William F. Sherwin 
presiding. 


1874. 

The brethren gathered on January 30, in response to a sum¬ 
mons from the Master to perform the last sad rites for one 
whose association among them had revealed many lovable 
qualities. W. Bro. John M. Burnett, a Past Master of St. 
Cecile, who had been ill for some time at his residence, in 
Hew Jersey, passed away on January 28, aged forty-nine. 
He was the first among the presiding officers to die. The 
brethren of St. Cecile met in the lodge room and proceeded 
in a body to Liberty Street, where they met Jerusalem Lodge, 
Ho. 23, of Plainfield, H. J., which had escorted the body from 
Plainfield. The cortege then proceeded to Greenwood Ceme¬ 
tery, where in the presence of a large gathering of friends 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker conducted the Masonic service 
for the dead. A beautiful and touching eulogy upon the life 
:and character of the deceased brother was delivered by W. 


1874 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


67 


Bro. Leis, of Jerusalem Lodge, who paid a high tribute to 
his worth as a man and Mason. W. Bro. Burnett affiliated 
from Central Lodge, No. 361, in 1865. After officiating as 
Senior Warden two years he was elected Master, upon the 
retirement of W. Bro. George F. Ilsley from the east. He 
was engaged in the stationery and printing business at No. 64 
Cedar Street. The lodge subsequently adopted appropriate 
resolutions, a copy of which were sent to the family. A letter 
of thanks was also sent, under seal of the lodge, to the brethren 
in New Jersey who had displayed so much consideration for 
Bro. Burnett. 

As the Temple neared completion many of the brethren 
thought the lodge ought to obtain accommodations therein. 
The matter was brought to the attention of the Master, who 
called the members together to consider the advisability, of 
moving. Among the visitors present was B. W. Bro. Smith, 
S. G. W., of New Jersey. After a full expression of opinion 
Bro. Edward Hopkins moved that the Trustees be empowered 
to engage rooms in the Temple. At a subsequent meeting 
the Trustees reported that the Temple was not ready for occu¬ 
pancy, and they were instructed to re-engage the rooms then 
occupied at No. 948 Broadway. 


OPEN-HANDED GENEROSITY OF THE LODGE. 

It was customary in those days for applicants for pecuniary 
assistance to present themselves at the outer door of the lodge, 
and often a score or more unfortunates gathered there waiting 
for relief. St. Cecile had a reputation for generosity, and 
worthy applicants never went away empty-handed. The 
usual course was to “ pass the hat ” among the brethren, who 
contributed as the spirit moved them, the amount realized 
being distributed among the needy. Very frequently tlie 
lodge funds were drawn upon for the same purpose. 

A striking instance of the open-handed generosity which 


68 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1874 


characterized St. Cecile Lodge occurred in the month of May. 
Among the numerous applicants for financial assistance who 
applied at the door while the lodge was in session was a dis¬ 
tressed brother from some lodge the name of which is not 

recorded. The brother gave his name as M-i. He asked 

that aid be given him to enable himself and family to return 
to their home in Italy. The Master appointed Bros. L. 
Fromme, Thomas S. Nedham and F. Ramacciotto a commit¬ 
tee to investigate the matter. The members of the commit¬ 
tee were so strongly impressed with the applicant’s story that 
they recommended giving a benefit concert to raise the money, 
as to take enough from the lodge treasury would deplete it. 
At their own request the three brethren mentioned were ap¬ 
pointed to arrange for the entertainment, being voluntarily 
augmented by the addition of Bro. James Pearce, Bro. 
John C. Barnes and several others. Where the concert w T as 
given is not recorded, nor any particulars concerning it, ex¬ 
cept the financial statement. The receipts were $294.50, 
expenses $109. The tickets for the family’s passage cost 
$182.50, and the grateful brother was sent on his way re¬ 
joicing. So lightly was this incident considered that the 
records give hut these meagre details of it. 

Owing to the rapidly increasing number of applicants for 
assistance at the lodge door, it was decided on June 16 to 
withdraw from the Board of Relief, so that the brethren could 
perform their eleemosynary work in their own way. 

Interesting as were ordinary communications, the meeting 
of November 3 was unusually attractive because of a special 
programme of classical music. The occasion was the visit of 
M. W. Ellwood E. Thorne, Grand Master, accompanied by 
numerous officials and members of the Grand Lodge. The 
Grand Master, after being received with all the formalities 
due his exalted station, addressed the brethren in an elo¬ 
quent tribute to the memory of the late Grand Master, M. W. 
John H. Anthon, who died October 29, and was buried at 
Otsego Lake two days previous to the meeting. Addresses 



1875 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


69 


were also made by several others. Bro. Rudolph Kiers, of 
Progressive Lodge, No. 354, presented for the delectation of 
the brethren his “ Cantata/’ a composition of merit intended 
for use in the third degree. 

With the close of the year 1874 W. Bro. Myron A. Decker 
retired from the Worshipful Master’s station. Under his 
administration the lodge had gained numerically and finan¬ 
cially and had a high reputation for superior ritualistic work. 
In charitable undertakings the only limit was its ability to 
give. 

The retirement of W. Bro. Decker brought with it many 
other changes. Chief of these may be noted a change at the 
Secretary’s desk. Bro. David Graham, a charter member and 
Secretary of the lodge from its inception, declined a re-elec¬ 
tion, owing to ill health and pressure of business engagements. 
He was succeeded by W. Bro. George F. Ilsley. Bro. Edward 
Hopkins was elected Master, Bro. Theodore Jacoby Senior 
Warden and Bro. John C. Barnes Junior Warden. Bro. John 
G. Pfeiffer was appointed Senior Deacon. The Trustees were 
W. Bros. Decker and Downing, and Bro. Graham. The offi¬ 
cers were installed by R. W. John C. Boak, assisted by W. 
Bro. Decker as Grand Marshal, a position which in later years 
gave him the keenest pleasure and in which he officiated with 
great dignity. The lodge passed complimentary resolutions 
upon the work of R. W. Bro. Boak, which were well merited. 


1875. 

W. Bro. Edward Hopkins (Music Dealer).—xAffiliated 
from London, England, May 17, 1870. Marshal in 1871; 
Senior Warden, 1872-73-74; Master, 1875-76-77; Trustee in 
1878-79; Organist in 1881. Died April 6, 1897. 

The new officers made a heroic effort to get the lodge at 
work by half-past two o’clock on meeting days, but found it 
difficult to secure the attendance of the brethren at the unac- 


70 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1875 


customed hour. R. W. Bro. John C. Boak, who had shown 
a marked interest in everything pertaining to St. Cecile, was 
elected an honorary member on Feb. 2. 

A communication was received from the Grand Master 
notifying the lodge that the date for dedicating the Temple 
had been fixed for Wednesday, June 2, and requesting con¬ 
tributions to the fund. 

As the rooms in the Temple were ready for occupancy the 
Trustees were ordered to secure proper quarters there for 
St. Cecile Lodge. At a subsequent meeting the Trustees re¬ 
ported that they had secured the Tuscan Room at an annual 
rental of $215. The last regular communication at Xo. 948 
Broadway was held April 20. At this meeting W. Bro. Hop¬ 
kins announced that the Grand Master had requested St. 
Cecile to assist in the ceremonies incidental to the dedication 
of the Temple and committees were appointed to make the 
necessary preparations to properly observe the occasion. 

On Tuesday, May 4, 1875, St, Cecile Lodge for the first 
time occupied the Tuscan Room. Every officer was in his 
proper station promptly, and after opening the lodge in full 
form the Master proceeded to work the first degree in the 
presence of a large number of members and visiting brethren. 
The room was filled to its capacity. 

A beautiful Masonic hymn entitled “ Hail, Brother Ma¬ 
sons, Hail,” composed by W. Bro. William E. Sherwin, of 
St. Cecile, was the principal musical number at the opening 
of the Grand Lodge on June 1. After rendering the music 
at the meeting of the Grand Lodge the brethren of St. Cecile 
retired to the Tuscan Room, where W. Bro. Hopkins, in a 
speech expressing the sincere esteem in which the recipient 
was held by his brethren of St. Cecile, presented to W. Bro. 
Myron A. Decker a beautiful and valuable Past Master’s 
jewel. The affair had been so quietly conducted that Bro. 
Decker had not received the slightest intimation of the pres¬ 
entation and was completely taken by surprise. The eloquent 
words of W. Bro. Hopkins made a deep impression upon Bro. 




PAST SENIOR WARDEN. 









1875] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE 


71 


Decker and it was several moments before he could express 
his gratification. He wore this valued token till the day of 
his death and bequeathed it as a prized souvenir to his son. 


A MASONIC RED LETTER DAY. 

One of the red letter days in the annals of Freemasonry in 
Hew York was Wednesday, June 2, 1875. On that day the 
new Temple was dedicated with most impressive ceremonies. 
The services at the Temple were preceded by a parade con¬ 
sisting of twenty-six divisions of Master Masons, which passed 
in review before the Grand Lodge in Fifth Avenue. The pro¬ 
cession then continued downtown as far as Canal Street, re¬ 
turning up Broadway and thence through Madison Avenue as 
far as Thirty-fourth Street, returning to Twenty-third Street 
by way of Fifth Avenue. The line started at nine in the 
morning and reached the Temple at twelve o’clock. In this 
great parade, which doubtless was the most imposing Masonic 
spectacle ever witnessed in the United States, there were more 
than 23,000 Master Masons, “ dressed in dark clothing, with 
high black hats, white gloves and plain white aprons for offi¬ 
cers and members alike.” St. Cecile Lodge was assigned to 
the eleventh division and had sixty men in line, but a great 
many of the members, musicians, necessarily marched in the 
various bands to which they were assigned. The services at 
the Temple were witnessed by an immense concourse of 
brethren, who were deeply impressed with the solemnity and 
dignity of the proceedings. The programme: 

Grand overture—Orchestra, organ and chorus. 

Prayer—Grand Chaplain. 

Hymn. 

Reading from Scriptures—Grand Chaplain. 

Music. 

Address—M. W. Ellwood E. Thorne, G. M. 

Ceremonies. 

Vocal music—Masonic Ode, by Bro. Harrison Millard, of St. Cecile Lodge. 


72 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1875 

Our Temple reared , complete it stands, 

A monument of skill; 

We clasp all brother Masons' hands 
With true Masonic will. 

Our children's children here will meet, 

On Level and on Square, 

And ages hence each other greet 
Upon the mystic stair. 

Here love and peace shall ever dwell, 

And unity be found, 

And many a breast with pride will swell 
To tread the hallowed ground. 

Here many a Mason will be raised 
To ivisdom's high degree. 

Here many a ividoiv's tear assuaged 
And orphan's heart made free. 

And when in Lodge altove we meet, 

Within heaven's brightest blue, 

The great Grand Master will us greet, 

As Masons tried and true. 

Apprentice then and Fellow Craft 
Will give the password blest, 

And in the bright Blue Lodge icith Love 
Eternally will rest. 

Ceremonies. 

Instrumental music. 

Consecration Prayer—Grand Chaplain. 

Music. 

Dedication of Temple by Grand Master and Grand Lodge. 

Invocation—Grand Chaplain. 

Oration—By M. W. John L. Lewis, P. G. M. 

Proclamation—Grand Marshal. 

Vocal and instrumental music. 

Doxology. 

Benediction. 

The evening was devoted to a great banquet in Irving Hall. 
R. W. John C. Boak offered the following resolution, which 
was unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge:— 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be and are hereby 
tendered to the Master and brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, for 
their services at the opening of the Grand Lodge. 

The following resolution, unanimously adopted by the 
Grand Lodge, was introduced by M. W. Isaac Phillips. In 


1875 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


73 


seconding the motion M. W. John L. Lewis expressed great 
gratification at its introduction. 

Whereas, The ringing of the chimes and sounding of the bells at 
Grace Church on Broadway during the dedication procession ceremony 
of yesterday was a most beautiful and interesting feature which greatly 
added to the impressive character of the event, and proved most grateful 
to the feelings of our brethren without exception, and was cordially ap¬ 
proved and responded to by the listening and observing masses of our 
fellow citizens, as a graceful compliment from a sacred and venerated 
institution to an ancient and honorable fraternity. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be tendered to the 
R. W. Bro. Frederick Widdows (of St. Cecile) for his skilful and 
beautiful performance and execution of the chimes at Grace Church 
during the procession on the day of dedication. 

Resolved, That copies of the foregoing preamble and resolution be 
transmitted to Bro. Widdows. 

The approach of the tenth anniversary of the birth of the 
lodge filled the brethren with a desire to properly celebrate 
the occasion. A committee, of which W. Bro. George F. 
Ilsley was chairman, was appointed to make the necessary 
arrangements. The first Tuesday in July (6th) was the day 
selected. On that afternoon the capacity of the Tuscan Room 
was taxed to its utmost by members and visiting brethren. 
The lodge was opened in full form at half-past two 
o’clock, the chairs being filled by Past Masters, according to 
seniority. W. Bro. George F. Ilsley occupied the east, W. 
Bro. David L. Downing the west, and W. Bro. William F. 
Sherwin the south. W. Bro. Myron A. Decker was Senior 
Deacon. The third degree was conferred in a flawless man¬ 
ner. During the refreshment hour the brethren were enter¬ 
tained with splendid music. M.W. Ellwood E. Thorne, G. M., 
attended with members of his official staff. W. Bro. E. D. 
Brush, of Amity Lodge, ~No. 323, presented St. Cecile Lodge 
with a magnificent basket of roses, which was placed at the 
left of the Master, and the fragrance of the beautiful flowers 
pervaded the entire room. On behalf of the lodge W. Bro. 
Ilsley presented to R. W. John C. Boak an album, bound in 
leather, containing a certificate of honorary membership, 


74 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1875 


handsomely engrossed. The distinguished brother made a 
happy speech, which was loudly applauded. A vote of thanks 
was tendered to Bros. George W. Morgan, Wilkie, Dr. Kelly, 
Dionysius Barron and Henry Schwicardi for the excellent 
musical programme presented by them. After closing the 
lodge the brethren proceeded to Bro. Donovan’s hotel, in East 
Twelfth Street, where a feast had been spread. The time- 
quickly passed with song and story and it was the “ wee sma’ 
hours ” before they adjourned. 

During the month of August there was an intermission, 
and the lodge did not meet until September. W. Bro. E. D. 
Brush, of Amity Lodge, No. 323, was elected an honorary 
member of St. Cecile on September 21. 

In the month of October the Trustees were instructed to 
exchange the bonds of the Hall and Asylum Fund, then fall¬ 
ing due, for “ Ten Year Income Bonds,” with interest at 
7 per cent., payable semi-annually. 

B. W. Frederick Widdows wrote, under date of December 
18, from Washington, D. C., a fatherly letter to the lodge, 
which was read at the next communication for the edification 
of the brethren. Among other suggestions looking to the good 
and welfare of the lodge which the esteemed Past Master 
made was the following: “ The lodge having joyously cele¬ 
brated the anniversary of the first decade since its institution, 
should also have a season of mourning in memory of those 
of our brethren who have passed through the ‘ dark valley.’ 
I would, therefore, suggest that a lodge of sorrow be held on 
the anniversary of the first meeting of the lodge while under 
dispensation.” The suggestion found supporters and a com¬ 
mittee was accordingly appointed. The committee reported 
on January 18 that, while they deemed the project of hold¬ 
ing a “ lodge of sorrow” most fitting, they thought it inex¬ 
pedient at that time. They recommended, however, that “ a 
memorial page be prepared for each deceased brother and 
placed in the book of records of this lodge.” This report was 
signed by W. Bros. Ilsley, Downing and Decker, and Bros. 


1876 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


75 


Fromme, Brush, Tissington and Baker, and the recommenda¬ 
tion was adopted by the lodge. 

As the close of the year drew near the officers found them¬ 
selves confronted by a difficult problem—one with which most 
organizations have to wrestle—the collection of back dues, a 
matter which at times has sadly vexed the best of lodges. It 
was found on examination of the accounts that there was out¬ 
standing on the books no less than $768.92. Many plans for 
bringing in this money were considered without reaching a 
satisfactory conclusion. 

At the annual communication W. Bro. Edward Hopkins 
was re-elected Master, Bro. John G. Pfeiffer Senior Warden* 
and Bro. John H. Allen, a recent affiliate from George Wash¬ 
ington Lodge, Ho. 285, Junior Warden. The Treasurer and 
the Secretary were unanimously re-elected. The ceremony 
of installation was conducted by B. W. John C. Boak, R. W. 
Isaac Brown assisting as Grand Marshal. 


1876. 

The first communication in 1876 of more than passing in¬ 
terest occurred on February 29, when the lodge was visited 
by a large delegation from Trumbull Lodge, Ho. 22, of Hew 
Haven, Conn., accompanied by brethren of other lodges in 
that city. The work of the day was the third degree. Dur¬ 
ing the refreshment hour professional brethren rendered vocal 
solos and other music of a pleasing and artistic character and 
the afternoon was spent in a profitable manner. After closing 
in full form there was a substantial feast near by. 

In the following May, St. Cecile accepted an invitation to 
visit Hew Haven. The brethren were met at the train by a 
committee and escorted to the rooms of Trumbull Lodge. 
They were received with many kind expressions by the Mas¬ 
ter, and were interested witnesses of the Connecticut work. 


76 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1876 


After closing the lodge they were taken in hand by a Recep¬ 
tion Committee and introduced to many good things provided 
for the inner man. After passing a most agreeable evening 
the brethren returned home on a late train. There were about 
twenty-five in the party. 

The singing of Bro. Morgan’s “ Hallelujah Chorus ” by 
St. Cecile at the opening of the Grand Lodge on June 6 was 
a conspicuous success and many compliments were received 
by W. Bro. Hopkins and Bro. George W. Morgan upon the 
superb music provided on that day. 

By death the lodge lost two valued members during the 
year. Although of widely different nationalities each had 
endeared himself to his fellows by a kindly, honorable per¬ 
sonality. Bro. Louis Fromme, who died March 16, joined 
the lodge December 29, 1868, and was a regular attendant, 
endeavoring to perform every Masonic duty to the best of his 
ability. He served on all kinds of committees, was Tiler in 
1872-73, and at the time of his death was one of the Trustees 
•of the lodge. The lodge was summoned to attend the funeral, 
and responded in numbers. The seryices were held in the 
Grand Lodge Boom on March 19, at noon. Religious services 
by the Rev. O. B. Frothingham preceded the Masonic cere¬ 
mony, which was directed by W. Bro. Hopkins. The inter¬ 
ment was in Cypress Hills Cemetery. Condolatory resolu¬ 
tions were adopted by the lodge, and copies ordered sent to 
the family and also to the Order of Elks, of which Bro. 
Fromme was a member. 

Bro. Michael O’Reilly, who died November 13, was a 
native of Dublin, Ireland, and had been a member of the lodge 
since October 18, 1870. He was a brother of “ Larry ” 
O’Reilly, then Junior Master of Ceremonies. Two days after¬ 
ward the lodge met in the Tuscan Room to pay the final 
tribute of the living to the dead. W. Bro. Hopkins was as¬ 
sisted in the service by W. Bros. Isaac Brown and E. D. 
Brush, the Wardens and many friends and brethren. The 
lodge was draped in mourning for thirty days in respect to 


1876] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


77 


the memory of Bro. O’Reilly and appropriate resolutions were 
sent to his family. 

PRINTED PROGRAMMES INTRODUCED. 

Printed programmes for music at lodge meetings were in¬ 
troduced in St. Cecile for the first time November 21, 1876, 
being the idea of Bro. John H. Allen, Junior Warden. Al¬ 
though one or two brethren thought it was “ putting on too 
much style, : ” the innovation was nevertheless accepted with 
much favor and from time to time the custom has been con¬ 
tinued. The first programme will doubtless be read with in¬ 
terest by the brethren of the present time. It follows: 

VOLUNTARY, Organ. Bro. Jas. Pearce. 

OPENING EXERCISES. 

ODE 13, Blest are the Sons of Peace. Wallace. 

LODGE BUSINESS. 

QUARTETTE, The Roses are Drinking the Dew. 

Bro. Arch. Johnston. 

Bros. Warden, Weeks, Dalton, Schwicardi. 

WORK—THIRD DEGREE. 

Reception of Candidate. 

ODE 125, Guide me, O thou great Jehovah ! 

DUETT, Tenor and Bass, Remember now, etc.... Bro. Keirs. 

Bros. Weeks and Schwicardi. 

FIRST SECTION OF DEGREE. 

SONG .Bro. Schwicardi. Mozart. 

Within this sacred dwelling 
Revenge no refuge finds; 

Where jog each bosom swelling 
And love to duty binds. 

SEPTETTE, Brass Instruments. 

DUETT .Bros. Weeks and Dalton. Blampiiin. 

We meet in brotherly love, brothers in heart, 

Never to sever, ne'er to depart 
From that fond love, faithful and true, 

Pure as the pearly morning's dew. 








78 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1876 


SECOND SECTION OF DEGREE. 

Reception of Candidate. 

QUARTETTE, The Chapel. Kreutzer. 

DEGREE CEREMONIES. 

SOLO, Be thou faithful unto death. Mendelssohn. 

Bro. Geo. S. Weeks. 

CHARGE TO CANDIDATE. 

SOLO, Xylophone. Bro. John Senia, Jr. 

CLOSING. 

ODE 52, Once more, O Lord!. Luther’s Hymn. 


During this meeting the lodge room was filled with the 
delicious odor of fresh-cut roses arising from a magnificent 
bouquet of choice flowers placed in the east by W. Bro. E. D. 
Brush. After the lodge closed the bouquet was divided among 
the brethren for boutonnieres. Among those noticed in the 
lodge room were many of the most prominent Masons in the 
city. One of those welcomed for the first time to the east of 
St. Cecile was the talented Deputy Grand Master of the 
Sixth District, B. W. Bro. Edward M. L. Ehlers. 

Although the year 1876 had not proven entirely satisfac¬ 
tory to the lodge in some ways, yet harmony prevailed among 
the members and there was not much cause for alarm. Among 
the more notable additions to the lodge membership during 
the year may be mentioned the name of Bro. F. C. P. Robin¬ 
son, of Globe Lodge, Ho. 588, who affiliated in April. Bro. 
Robinson was the scion of a famous old English family, and 
was an actor of the first rank, at that time leading man at 
Wallack’s. He was a most enthusiastic Mason. The more im¬ 
portant changes in the roll of officers at the annual com¬ 
munication included Bro. William J. Leonard to Senior 
Warden, and Bro. Charles Ludwig to Junior Warden. Bro. 
Charles A. Stevenson was appointed Senior Deacon. Owing 
to the large amount of outstanding dues it was resolved to 
offer five per cent, for the collection of them. 






1877 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


79 


1877. 

Nothing of unusual importance occurred to disturb the 
placid course of events in the lodge all through the winter. 
Meetings were held regularly and the charities of the lodge 
were dispensed according to its ability. Aside from this 
there was little practical Masonic work. 

The death of Bro. David Graham on April 6 marked the 
first break in the ranks of the charter members. Bro. 
Graham’s death was not unexpected, as he had suffered from 
various maladies for a long time. The brethren were sum¬ 
moned to meet at the rooms of Lily Lodge, No. 342, in Mor- 
risania, on April 8, to attend the services. Erom the lodge 
room there marched to Bro. Graham’s home a numerous gath¬ 
ering of the members. The body was removed from the resi¬ 
dence to the Presbyterian Church in Washington Avenue, St. 
Cecile acting as an escort. Religious services were conducted 
by the Rev. Dr. Gumming, pastor of the church. The Ma¬ 
sonic ceremony was held immediately afterward by W. Bro. 
Hopkins, assisted by W. Bro. George E. Simons. The funeral 
cortege then proceeded to Woodlawn, where the final services 
were held by Bro. William J. Leonard, Senior Warden. Bro. 
David Graham was a drummer of more than ordinary 
ability. He had been a member of Julian’s great orchestra 
in 1857-58 and toured the United States with that superb 
organization. He afterwards settled down in New York and 
became drum-major of the Seventh Regiment Band. He was 
for many years connected with the orchestra at Wallack’s 
Theatre. Bro. Graham was raised in Worth Lodge, No. 210, 
October 3, 1854, and remained a member thereof until the 
formation of St. Cecile, of which he was one of the original 
petitioners. He took great interest and pride in St. Cecile 
and was for nearly ten years Secretary of the lodge. In 
December, 1871, as has heretofore been mentioned, the lodge 


80 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1877 

presented him with a set of engrossed resolutions in apprecia¬ 
tion of his services. Bro. Graham was an uncle of Bro. J ohn 
G. Pfeiffer, a faithful, conscientious member of St. Cecile 
since March 5, 1867. 

The musical programme supplied by St. Cecile for the 
opening of the Grand Lodge this year was quite interesting. 
The principal offering was a solo by Bro. William J. Castle, 
the lodge assisting in singing the chorus. Bro. George W. 
Morgan presided at the great organ during the ceremonies. 
The members of the lodge received warm praise on all sides 
for the excellence of their music. 

There were no lodge meetings held from June 19 until 
September 18. On that day there was a very good attendance 
ready for the resumption of lodge work. 

The annual meeting, on December 18, brought out the fact 
that the lodge was not making much progress, and consider¬ 
able anxiety was felt. Reports of officers indicated that some¬ 
thing would have to be done to increase the revenue. The 
receipts of the year were $841.66, the disbursements $807.50, 
leaving a balance of but $34.16. The total assets were 
$567.45. Outstanding dues, $914.17. The Trustees recom¬ 
mended the sale of the old iron safe in which the lodge books 
had formerly been kept, and the Master was by vote of the 
lodge authorized to dispose of it. During the election of offi¬ 
cers the east was occupied by M. W. Ellwood E. Thorne, 
P. G. M., who afterward presided during the ceremony of 
installation. Bro. William J. Leonard was elected Master, 
Bro. Charles H. Ludwig Senior Warden, Bro. Harry J. 
Beckett Junior Warden. The Treasurer and Secretary were 
unanimously re-elected. W. Bro. Decker gave notice of an 
amendment reducing the initiation and affiliation fees. An 
amendment was also offered prohibiting delinquents from 
visiting other lodges and barring them from holding office. 
The introduction of these resolutions provoked a great deal 
of discussion among the brethren, but upon a vote being 
taken the motion prevailed. 


1878 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


81 


1878. 

W. Bro. William J. Leonard (Actor).—Raised in St. Ce- 
cile Lodge, Ho. 568, April 18, 1871. Senior Deacon, 1872- 
73-76; Junior Warden, 1874; Senior Warden, 1877; Master, 
1878-79. Served as Trustee in 1880. Dropped from the roll, 
September 5, 1882. 

On January 15, 1878, the constitutional time having 
elapsed and the lodge having been duly summoned to con¬ 
sider the matter, W. Bro. Decker called up his amendments 
reducing the initiation fee to $30 and the affiliation fee to 
$1, and that debarring delinquents from holding office or 
visiting sister lodges. There was forthwith a spirited discus¬ 
sion, and upon a vote being taken it was made evident that a 
substantial majority were opposed to any change whatever 
in the by-laws. 

Among the curious economical measures adopted at this 
time was a resolution ordering 150 copies of the by-laws 
printed and instructing the committee having the matter in 
charge to remove the covers from the old books and have them 
used upon the new ones. Bro. Charles Ludwig, of the Com¬ 
mittee on By-laws, reported at the meeting of March 5 that 
the printers refused to do this and that the cost of 150 copies 
would be $30. Another member of the committee, Bro. Harry 
Beckett, reported that he could get 150 copies printed for 
$25, and then there was a lively discussion* which terminated 
in the decision that the lodge could not afford the expense, 
and the matter was tabled. Economy being the watchword 
of the day, and the meeting place in the Temple thought 
too much of a luxury, the Trustees were requested to find 
cheaper quarters for the lodge. It was finally decided to 
return to the rooms formerly rented from Kane Lodge at Ho. 
948 Broadway, and the Trustees were ordered to secure those 


82 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1878 


rooms, if possible, at $150 per annum, beginning with 
May 1st. 


NEWSPAPER WORKERS JOIN THE LODGE. 

It was at this same meeting that W. Bro. Leonard pro¬ 
posed for affiliation Bro. Millard F. Horton, of Zeredetha 
Lodge, Ho. 483. Bro. Horton was a make-up on the Hew 
York “ Times/ 7 and was probably the first out-and-out lychno- 
bite to join the lodge. Theatrical musicians are usually 
through with their work before midnight, but the morning 
newspaper worker seldom is released before three o’clock in 
the morning, ofttimes an hour or two later. The latter is 
therefore compelled to take his rest at a time when the sun 
shines and the ordinary wheels of industry are busiest. 
Bro. Horton was the first morning newspaper printer to 
join St. Cecile Lodge. He was elected and signed the by-laws 
March 19. His first act after signing the roll was to present 
the petition of Mr. Charles H. Govan for initiation. On 
April 16 the first degree was conferred upon two candidates, 
one of whom was Mr. Govan, who has from that day been one 
of the sturdiest members of the lodge, and is a man of whom 
any. organization might well be proud. This was the first 
ceremonial work done in the lodge in six months. 

Although St. Cecile was not then prosperous, it must not 
be supposed that the debts of the lodge were ignored or the 
charities neglected. On the contrary, all bills were paid 
promptly and the lodge was never weary in well-doing. For 
example, at the meeting of March 19 bills to the amount of 
$79.43 were presented and paid and donations of $57 made 
for the relief of distressed brethren. Scarcely a meeting 
passed without voting money or taking up a collection for some 
beneficent purpose. Though straitened in circumstances, the 
lodge was harmonious and generous at all times. 

Before returning to the old quarters in Broadway the last 
communication in the Tuscan Room was held April 30, 1878. 


1878 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


83 


There was plenty of music and good-fellowship prevailed. 
Upon closing the lodge the Master notified the members to 
turn out in goodly numbers at the next communication. In 
transcribing his minutes the Secretary found himself near the 
end of his book, and made the following entry in addition to 
the minutes:—“ I close up the minutes in this book as we 
leave Tuscan Room, Masonic Temple, and open a new book 
as we meet in the new room. I trust our communications 
may be as pleasant, if not more so than ever. May St. Cecile 
Lodge ever prosper is the earnest prayer of George F. Usley.” 
This prayer has been re-echoed in many a heart since that 
day, and the writer of this work takes this opportunity to 
indorse the sentiment. 

The first meeting upon returning to Broadway was held 
May 7. The second degree was conferred upon the two can¬ 
didates who presented themselves, Messrs. Govan and Tighe, 
and after disposing of routine business the lodge adjourned. 

A large number of brethren assembled in the lodge room 
on June 4 at half-past two in the afternoon. After opening 
the lodge and hearing the minutes, work was suspended, and 
the brethren formed in line and marched to the Temple, where 
the Grand Lodge was assembled. A musical programme sim¬ 
ilar to that of the preceding year had been prepared and was 
given during the opening of the Grand Lodge, Bro. Sargent, 
of Ivanhoe Lodge, Ko. 610, singing the solos, St. Cecile ren¬ 
dering the chorus. At the conclusion of this portion of the 
ceremonies the lodge returned to its rooms in Broadway, 
where labor was resumed. 

Another name was added to the list of honorary members 
on June 18, when M. W. Ellwood E. Thorne, P. G. M., was 
unanimously chosen for this distinction. 

The lodge was summoned to attend the funeral of Bro. 
Charles H. Ludwig, Senior Warden of the lodge, who died 
July 19. The brethren assembled at the Temple at noon 
two days later. Agreeable to the expressed wish of the de¬ 
ceased brother the beautiful service of the Knights Templar 


84 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1878 

was performed by Palestine Commanderv, No. 18, of which 
Bro. Ludwig had been a member. Music was provided by St. 
Cecile. The service was beautifully rendered and made a 
deep impression upon all present. The interment was in the 
Lutheran Cemetery. Bro. Ludwig was engaged in the in¬ 
surance business, and had been a member of St. Cecile since 
1873. The Senior Warden’s chair was draped until the ensu¬ 
ing election and resolutions expressing the sympathy of the 
lodge were sent to Bro. Ludwig’s family. 

The great scourge of yellow fever throughout the Southern 
States caused much distress, and appeals for financial assist¬ 
ance met with spontaneous and generous response from the 
lodges of the metropolitan district. St. Cecile, as usual, did 
her part. 

It is a singularly interesting fact that at no time in her 
existence has St. Cecile Lodge had a more brilliant corps of 
officers, intellectually, than those installed by B. W. John C. 
Boak at the annual election in December. The Master, W. 
Bro. William J. Leonard, was a popular leading actor at 
Wallack’s, the principal theatre of the city at the time. Bro. 
Frederic C. P. Robinson, Senior Warden, was renowned 
as an actor of great ability in America and England. Bro. 

Harry ” Beckett, Junior Warden, leading comedian at Wal¬ 
lack’s, had no superior in comedy. Bro. Henry Tissington, 
a charter member and Treasurer from the beginning, was 
orchestra leader at the Union Square Theatre for over nine 
years, and was known as a musician of unusual ability. Bro. 
“Larry” O’Reilly, Secretary, was also a musician—a member 
of Gilmore’s great band—and afterward became Secretary of 
the Musicians’ Union, an organization with several thousand 
members. Bro. Charles IT. Govan, Senior Deacon, a natural 
elocutionist, lecturer and mimic, made a fine record for supe¬ 
rior ritualistic work in the lodge room. Others holding office 
were Bro. Ernest Neyer, Master of Ceremonies, who was 
orchestra leader at the Standard Theatre. Then there was 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, successful piano manufacturer, 


1879 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE . 


85 


who was Chaplain. At no other time has such a galaxy of 
talented men held office in the lodge simultaneously. Of these 
brilliant members all have gone except W. Bro. Govan, who 
is still as strong in the faith as ever, and watches the progress 
of events with undiminished interest. 


1879. 

On January 21 Bro. Frederic C. P. Robinson gave notice 
of an amendment to the by-laws reducing the initiation to 
$30. At the meeting of February 18, the constitutional time 
having elapsed and due notice having been sent to members, 
this resolution was called up for action. An interesting dis¬ 
cussion ensued, at the conclusion of which a vote was taken 
and the motion was declared carried. 

Another matter which caused some discussion was the dis¬ 
posal of the old iron safe previously mentioned in this record. 
The matter was finally settled by selling the safe for $14.10, 
the cash being turned into the treasury. 

The three-million-dollar robbery of a prominent banking 
institution in Broadway caused some anxiety as to the safety 
of the lodge funds deposited therein, and the Trustees were 
called upon to investigate the stability of the concern. Upon 
a report from the Trustees that the funds were safe the tem¬ 
porary alarm was allayed. 

With extreme regret it was learned that Bro. Alfred Bur¬ 
nett had been seriously injured in Cincinnati. The particu¬ 
lars were not known at the time, but it was some months 
before this deservedly popular brother recovered from the 
effects of the accident and was able to appear again in the 
lodge room. 

Glancing at the work accomplished during the year it will 
be seen that little in the way of initiations was accomplished. 
As a matter of fact there had not been any degrees conferred 
since the previous June. Notwithstanding the lack of appli- 


86 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1879 


cations for membership, lodge meetings were never dull. 
Among such talented and genial men there was always a 
good song, an instrumental number or some other diversion 
to while away the refreshment hour. 

The approach of the annual election (Dec. 16) presented 
some knotty problems for the consideration of the slate-makers. 
W. Bro. William J. Leonard pleaded business engagements 
and declined a third year as Master. The Senior Warden, 
Bro. Frederic Robinson, having decided to accept an engage¬ 
ment for a long tour, also declined the honor. Bro. Theodore 
Jacoby, who had served as Junior Warden in 1872-73 and as 
Senior Warden in 1875, was persuaded to accept the office. 
Bro. Robinson was re-elected Senior Warden, and Bro. John 
H. Allen, who had filled the same position two years previous, 
was again elected Junior Warden. Bro. Henry Tissington, 
Treasurer, and Bro. Laurence O’Reilly, Secretary, were both 
re-elected, and Bro. Charles II. Govan was reappointed Senior 
Deacon. W. Bro. Myron A. Decker presided during the elec¬ 
tion, and the officers were installed at the following meeting 
by R. W. Isaac H. Brown. The Treasurer’s report showed 
that the actual assets were: Bonds, $200; in bank, $267.63; 
in hands of Treasurer, $87.43—total, $555.06. 


The close of the seventies found the finances of the lodge in 
just about the same condition they were in at the close of 1869, 
but the enthusiasm of ten years previous was wofully lacking 
and there was a large amount of uncollected dues on the 
-books. While it cannot truthfully be said that there was 
lack of harmony in the ranks, the essential element of success 
was wanting. The tide of the lodge’s affairs was at its lowest 
ebb, and there was not a proposition for membership received 
from October 7, 1879, until January 4, 1881. However, the 
little band of the faithful continued to meet regularly, settled 
all obligations promptly, and as opportunity presented lent a 
helping hand in the relief of the distressed, hoping for the 
return of more prosperous days. 



1880 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


87 


IN THE EIGHTIES. 


But the nearer the dawn, the darker the night, 
And by going wrong all things come right; 
Things have been mended that were worse, 

And the worse, the nearer they are to mend. 

— Longfellow. 


1880. 

W. Bro. Theodore Jacoby (Musician).—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568, March 2, 1869. Junior Deacon, 1870 ; 
Senior Deacon, 1871; Junior Warden, 1872-73; Senior 
Warden, 1875 ; Master, 1880 ; Chaplain, 1881-87-89. Served 
as Trustee in 1882-83. Died New York 'City, January 8, 
1897. 

One noteworthy circumstance in the winter of 1880 was 
the introduction of recitations during the refreshment hour. 
To Bros. Allan Latham and Frederic Robinson belongs the 
credit of this pleasing innovation, as they were fathers of the 
idea and the first volunteers. Up to that time the lodge en¬ 
tertainments had been exclusively of a musical nature. With 
the brilliant offerings of these and other masters of elocution 
added to the charming music for which the lodge had a wide 
reputation the “ refreshments ” of St. Cecile took on the dis¬ 
tinctive characteristics which have become famous around 
the world and have won approbation from the brethren of 
many lands. 

But notwithstanding the highly interesting character of 
the lodge meetings, with such an abundance of unrivalled 



88 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1880 


talent to draw upon, even with the reduced rate of initiation, 
new members were not attracted. It is an interesting and 
remarkable fact that during a period of twenty months only 
one degree was conferred. On January 6, 1880, after resting 
from ceremonial work for seven months, the lodge conferred 
the third degree upon Bro. Henry W. Hoe, who had received 
his second degree in the preceding June. This was the last 
work performed until February 1, 1881, a period of thirteen 
months! It was natural, under such unfortunate circum¬ 
stances, that every endeavor should be made to keep down 
the expenses, as little money was coming in. The Trustees 
were requested to endeavor to effect a reduction in the rent, 
and failing in that to seek cheaper quarters. Notice of an 
amendment to the by-laws reducing all salaries was given and 
after the proper interval called up for action by the lodge. 
This amendment was defeated and the idea abandoned. 
However, determined effort was made to collect some of the 
outstanding dues. These were the most trying days ever ex¬ 
perienced by the lodge, and the older members never weary 
of telling of their struggles to keep the lodge alive during 
that period. 

A distinct apprehension of loss was felt when Bro. Fred¬ 
eric C. P. Bobinson announced that the time had arrived 
for him to fulfil a Western engagement which would necessi¬ 
tate his absence from the city until March, 1881. The 
brethren were loath to part with one who had manifested 
such great interest in the welfare of the lodge. 


DEATH OF W. BRO. DAVID L. DOWXIXG. 

During the summer the brethren were shocked to learn of 
the death of W. Bro. David Lorenzo Downing, fourth Master 
of the lodge, who died at his residence, in West Twenty- 
seventh Street, on Thursday, August 19. The brethren were 
; summoned to meet at half-past eight in the morning on Mon- 


1880 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


89 


day, the 23d, to attend the funeral. The turnout was large, 
and, clothed in white gloves and aprons, the lodge formed 
in funeral procession and marched to the residence. From 
there the body was escorted to the Church of the Holy Apos¬ 
tles, in Ninth Avenue. Members of the Ninth Regiment 
Rand, of which W. Bro. Downing was leader, were present 
in dark clothing, without instruments. There was a great 
throng of friends and members of the various civil and mili¬ 
tary organizations of which he was a member, filling the large 
church to overflowing. The Episcopal service was read by the 
Rev. A. T. Anderson. Mr. P. S. Gilmore, with his celebrated 
band of one hundred musicians, was present and played (it 
is said for the first time in public) his celebrated “ Death is 
at the Door,” “ The Lost Chord,” and “ The Dead March 
in Saul,” after which the pall-bearers, Bros. Christian Michl, 
Jacob Malloch, Nathaniel Sawyer, Christian Mihr, Frederick 
Fischer and Gustave Wilkins, bore the coffin to the hearse. 
A procession was formed and proceeded to the railroad depot, 
where the train was taken to Woodlawn. At the grave the 
full Masonic service was given by special request of the de¬ 
ceased brother. The floral pieces were numerous and beau¬ 
tiful. The daily newspapers said it was the largest funeral 
ever seen in that vicinity. 

W. Bro. Downing was proposed in St. Cecile Lodge by 
Bro. Henry Tissington, February 21, 1865, his being the third 
proposition received while the lodge worked under dispensa¬ 
tion. He received the degrees early in the year and was an 
active member from the first, always placing his services at 
the disposal of the lodge in whatever capacity they could be 
useful. After filling minor positions in the lodge he became 
Master in 1870, and was deservedly esteemed. Resolutions 
expressive of the loss it had sustained were passed by the 
lodge and sent to the family. But the sympathy of the lodge 
was not manifested in words alone. The fact having been 
made known that the affairs of the deceased Past Master had 
become so involved that his family were likely to suffer, it 


90 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1880 

was unhesitatingly resolved, on motion of Bro. Myron A. 
Decker, to donate to Mrs. Downing the last $100 of the lodge 
funds, leaving an empty treasury. 

Nor was this the only loss by death at the time. On the 
day of W. Bro. Downing’s funeral there was borne to 
the tomb another who had been a steadfast friend of the 
lodge. B. W. Bro. Isaac Brown, of Puritan Lodge, No. 339, 
was an honorary member of St. Cecile, a man whom all de¬ 
lighted to call friend and brother. Of great stature and 
weighing over three hundred pounds, Bro. Brown had a heart 
of love in proportion. Many stories are told of his generosity. 
It was greatly regretted that, owing to the obsequies of W. 
Bro. Downing, the lodge could not attend the funeral of R. W. 
Bro. Brown. Appropriate resolutions, however, were sent to 
his family. 


CORNER STONE OF OBELISK LAID. 

A public function which aroused much interest was the 
laying of the corner stone of the Obelisk in Central Park. 
The date originally set, October 2, was found to conflict with 
the unveiling of the Robert Burns statue by the Scottish soci¬ 
eties, and a postponement was had until the following Satur¬ 
day, October 9. On that day there was a procession of Ma¬ 
sonic bodies which numbered nearly 10,000 men. R. W. Bro. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers was grand marshal. There were eleven 
divisions of Masons in line, with members of the Grand 
Lodge. Oommanderies of Knights Templar acted as escort. 
The weather was fine and the parade made a deep impression 
upon all beholders, on account of the eminently respectable 
appearance presented by the ranks of Masons, all dressed in 
dark clothing, white gloves and aprons, marching in sections 
of six, under their lodge officers. St. Cecile Lodge was in the 
seventh division, hut, as usual, many of her members were in 
the various bands engaged. The lodge took no especial part 
otherwise in the ceremonies. 


1880 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


91 


The many friends and acquaintances of Bro. Henry Jesson 
Beckett, Junior Warden in 1878-79, were grieved to learn 
of his illness and sudden death while playing an engagement 
at a leading theatre in London, England. Bro. Beckett re¬ 
ceived the degrees in St. Cecile Lodge in May, 1876, and was 
remembered for his sunny disposition no less than for the fine 
ability which characterized his work on the stage. As a 
leading comedian he had few equals. He brought into Ma¬ 
sonry the same qualities which endeared him elsewhere, and 
was highly esteemed for his sterling worth. He was one of 
the seven founders of the Lambs’ Club, and was a member 
of other popular organizations. 

As the lodge was getting no new members and quite a num¬ 
ber of the old ones had apparently ceased paying dues, finan¬ 
cial affairs looked dubious, to say the least. In this emergency 
it was decided to give a benefit performance to recoup the 
treasury. Miss Annie Pixley and others volunteered to ap¬ 
pear. Unfortunately, the date selected happened to fall on 
a Sunday evening. This raised a discussion in the lodge as to 
the propriety of giving such a performance on the Lord’s Day, 
which some contended would be an infraction of one of the 
fundamental laws of Masonry. Upon the whole question 
being referred to higher authority the opposition was sus¬ 
tained, and thus the well-meant plan fell through. 

Another question which excited considerable discussion was 
raised by the candidacy of Bro. John H. Allen for the east. 
It was contended that an affiliated member should not seek 
the gavel when children of the lodge, as it were, wished to 
wield it. Viewed in the light of subsequent years it is well 
indeed that the narrow policy of some members did not prevail, 
as the lodge seemed immediately to take on new life with the 
installation of Bro. John H. Allen, Bro. Allan Latham, Bro. 
Charles H. Glovan and their associates. R. W. Bro. James E. 
Morrison was invited to install the new officers and cheerfully 
accepted the invitation. The words of wise counsel spoken 
by this esteemed brother found a responsive chord in the 
hearts of his hearers and greatly encouraged them. 


92 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1881 


1881. 

W. Bko. John H. Allen (Druggist).—Raised in George 
Washington Lodge, No. 285, August 2, 1872; affiliated with 
St. Cecile Lodge, USTo. 568, November 2, 1875; Junior War¬ 
den, 1876-80; Master, 1881-82-83-84; Trustee, 1885-86. Af¬ 
filiated with Shekomeko Lodge, No. 484, in 1894; elected 
honorary member of St. Cecile Lodge, 1894. 

“ Energy and enthusiasm ” were the watchwords of W. Bro. John H. 
Allen, characteristics which he carried with him into everything with 
which he had to do. Better still, he had the rare faculty of imparting 
these qualities to his associates. No sooner was Bro. Allen at home in 
St. Cecile Lodge than he impressed the brethren with his energetic 
methods, and to him must be accredited many of the plans for reviving 
the somewhat drooped spirits of the members. He never was backward 
when he thought he was right. “ Be sure you are right, then go ahead.” 
It might also aptly be added, in his case, “ with a full head of steam.” 
Notwithstanding Bro. Allen’s popularity, there was opposition from some 
conservative members when it was proposed to make him Master. Fortu¬ 
nately, the opponents were won over, and he was elected. W. Bro. Allen 
introduced the idea of holding public installations of officers, thus attract¬ 
ing attention to the work of the lodge. This brought the families of the 
members to these functions, many of whom had never witnessed a Masonic 
ceremony of any sort, and added greatly to his popularity. When lie was 
criticised on economical grounds for spending the lodge money for printed 
invitations he characteristically replied that “ the best was none too good 
for St. Cecile.” He awakened interest in all branches of the lodge work, 
but the full effect of his influence was not noticeable until later. At 
the termination of his four years’ service as Master the lodge presented 
him with a handsome gold watch, which he still wears with pride in 
far-off Australia, where he is as enthusiastic in Masonry as he was 
twenty years ago. Bro. Allen was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1847, of 
ancient Quaker stock, and for many years maintained a successful drug 
business in Second Avenue, this city, which was a rendezvous for all his 
Masonic friends. 

Brethren of the present day may be interested to learn that 
in January the south was occupied by Bro. 16 Harry ” Roe, 
who displayed the same accuracy in the work of that station 
which has ever characterized his efforts in other important 
offices in the lodge. It was during this period that he sang 
for the first time in the lodge “ Rocked in the Cradle of the 


1881 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


93 


Deep,” the artistic rendition of which made a tremendous hit 
with the brethren. On January 4 there was presented for 
the consideration of the brethren the first petition for initia¬ 
tion and membership received since October 7, 1879, a period 
of about fifteen months. 

The official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, 
B. W. Horatio W. P. Howson, on Pebruary 1, was made the 
occasion for providing an interesting programme during the 
refreshment hour. The first degree work upon a St. Cecile 
Lodge candidate in thirteen months was witnessed on that 
day. During the long interval the lodge occasionally per¬ 
formed ceremonial work for practice, and on one occasion 
conferred a degree to oblige the officers of another lodge, but 
aside from this there was no degree work done from June 
3, 1879, until the date mentioned above. Every one was 
gratified to observe signs of returning activity. A pleasing 
addition to the ceremonies was introduced by Bro. Allan 
Latham, who displayed a series of stereopticon views illus¬ 
trating subjects familiar to the brethren. 

A fraternal invitation to visit George Washington Lodge, 
Ho. 285, was accepted by St. Cecile Lodge, and as many of 
the brethren as could do so on Friday evening, April 28, re¬ 
paired to the rooms of George Washington Lodge. They were 
received with many expressions of welcome by the lodge offi¬ 
cers and courteously entertained. George Washington Lodge 
was the Masonic home of Bro. John H. Allen before his affilia¬ 
tion with St. Cecile, and was also remembered as one of the 
lodges which indorsed St. Cecile’s application for a charter 
in 1865. In recognition of these kindly acts a formal letter 
expressing the fraternal regards of St. Cecile was sent George 
Washington Lodge on May 3. 


ST. CECILE THE FIRST MATINEE LODGE. 

The following interesting communication was received from 
K. W. Bro. Frederick Widdows and read in open lodge for the 
information of the brethren 


94 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1881 


Washington, D. C., June 2, 1881. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. Cecils 
Lodge, No. 568, F. & A. M. 

Greeting —Having upon several occasions of the annual communica¬ 
tions sent congratulatory letters to you, thus renewing from time to time 
my fealty to the lodge, I am now about to ask that the ties which have 
bound me to the lodge for over sixteen years be severed. I feel, dear 
brethren, that for the last ten years or more I have done nothing for the 
honor and glory of our beloved order except paying dues. Those members 
who were with me at the institution of the lodge know how much I 
love the order, and especially St. Cecile, and how I worked to bring into 
existence the lodge of my own creation. The idea of a lodge to meet 
in the daytime for the benefit of our musical brethren was conceived 
by me. I drew up the petition for the dispensation and invited those 
whose names appear as charter members to sign it. I visited the several 
lodges to get the indorsements necessary, and taught the work to the 
stationed officers, who were recommended by myself, and who were young 
members of the order at the time. I also had the honor of being the 
charter Master and first elected Master of the lodge, and had the proud 
satisfaction of hearing St. Cecile spoken of and acknowledged as one of 
the best working lodges in the jurisdiction. It is now over sixteen years 
since the first meeting under the dispensation was held, and although 
my business has been such that for the last ten or twelve years I have 
not been able to visit the lodge more than two or three times, still my 
love for the lodge of my creating has not waned and my sympathies will 
always be with St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. As there is every possibility 
that this city will be my permanent residence, and as many of my friends 
here are desirous that I should become an active member in this juris¬ 
diction by affiliating with some lodge, I would respectfully though re¬ 
gretfully ask the lodge to grant me a dimit. . . . Trusting that I 

may be pardoned for thus indulging in a little self-laudation, I shall 
always feel proud of my connection with St. Cecile; proud that the name 
of St. Cecile as the first musical lodge ever established in any jurisdiction 
is known Masonic-ally, not only throughout the United States, but in 
England, where I heard it spoken of when in London six years ago. . . . 

Trusting that the lodge may go on and prosper and that peace and 
harmony may prevail within her walls is the sincere wish of 

Yours fraternally, 

Frederick Widdows. 

This letter from the founder of the lodge was read and 
ordered to be spread in full upon the minutes. His request 
for a dimit was regretfully acceded to. 

In connection with the claims set forth in the fore£oimr 

o o 

communication, the writer has had considerable correspond- 


1881 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE 


95 


ence, as well as many personal interviews, with brethren 
deeply learned in the history of Masonry in this country, with 
a view to establishing the fact beyond contradiction that St. 
Cecile was the first regularly chartered lodge to meet exclu¬ 
sively in the daytime. There seems to be no question, ap¬ 
parently, that this claim is well founded. Of the many letters 
received, the following is from the learned Secretary of the 
Grand Lodge of the State of New York, M. W. Edward M. 
L. Ehlers: 

Dear Sir and Bro. : 

Replying to your letter of the 3d inst., permit me to say that St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568, was undoubtedly the first lodge, in America, at 
least, to hold its communications in the daytime. Of course lodges there¬ 
tofore frequently held special communications in the afternoon, but that 
was simply done to expedite the work of the lodge in regard to candidates. 
You may say emphatically that St. Cecile was the first lodge to hold its 
stated communications in the daytime in this country. 

Fraternally, 

E. M. L. Ehlers, 

Grand Secretary . 

This interesting official communication from such eminent 
authority should set at rest whatever doubts any may have 
hitherto entertained in regard to St. Cecile Lodge’s claims in 
this respect. As a further expression of opinion, appended is 
another communication on the subject, this from a brother 
who has also delved deeply in the quarries of Masonic re- 
: search: 

MASONIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK. 

Dear Sir and Bro. : 

In reply to yours would say that Masonry was brought to this country 
by the British soldiers, and the first lodges here were army lodges only, 
with “ wandering ” charters. These generally met in the daytime, but 
these lodges can in no way be compared with our present system, as they 
had no steady existence and no cohesiveness. After the establishment of 
our State Grand Lodges meetings in large cities were generally held at 
six o’clock or after sundown, while in the country lodges met by the moon. 
(See Proceedings of Grand Lodge, New York, 1906.) Hence, I believe 
. St. Cecile was the first lodge to meet in daytime under charter granted 


96 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1881 


with that object in view. She has good ground for her claim; long may- 
she wave. Our brethren formerly were in no hurry to make Masons and 
took a good solid day for their meetings. 

Fraternally yours, 

E. Lo WEN STEIN. 

In recognition of many years’ faithful service as Treasurer 
the lodge passed a series of highly eulogistic resolutions for 
presentation to Bro. Henry Tissington. After having the 
testimonial handsomely engrossed it was presented by W. Bro. 
Allen in his happiest manner. The Master but expressed the 
sentiment of all when he referred in the most complimentary 
terms to the fidelity of Bro. Tissington and called attention 
to his unusually regular attendance and the fact that the lodge 
had never yet been called upon to change its Treasurer from 
the first election in 1865. Of the brother’s high reputation 
as an orchestra leader he said it was entirely superfluous to 
speak; he was favorably known as a musician on both sides 
of the Atlantic. In accepting the testimonial Bro. Tissington 
expressed his love for the lodge and thanked the brethren for 
their kindly feeling. 

It is interesting to note that the first police officer to join 
the lodge was Bro. James Hunter, of Arcturus Lodge, Ho. 
214, who affiliated with St. Cecile September 4. 

In response to a summons brethren of the lodge, together 
with many members of other Masonic bodies, on September 
13 gathered at the residence of Bro. Sigismund Voytits, 
Horatio Street, to pay the last sad tribute to one who had 
proved himself worthy to be known as a friend and brother. 
Bro. Yoytits, who owned a printing office near the Post-office, 
joined the lodge in 1868, and was never found wanting when 
duty called. The exigencies of his business did not permit 
him to devote to Masonry the time he desired, and he never 
accepted any important office in the lodge, but a more willing 
worker in the great cause would be difficult to find. There 
were Masonic services conducted by the Master, after which 
the interment took place in the Cemetery of the Evergreens. 


1881 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


97 


The deplorable death of Bro. James A. Garfield, President 
of the United States, occurred Monday, September 19, 1881, 
at half-past ten in the evening. At the regular communica¬ 
tion of the lodge on the following afternoon the Master called 
attention to the fact, and stated that as St. Cecile was the 
first lodge meeting in regular session since the President’s 
death he thought it appropriate that a message expressing the 
sentiments of the lodge be sent immediately to Pentalpha 
Lodge, No. 23, Washington, D. C., of which Bro. Garfield 
was a member. Consideration of the suggestion was taken up 
and W. Bros. Decker, Hopkins and Jacoby were appointed a 
committee to draft appropriate resolutions, which were also* 
ordered to be suitably inscribed in the records of the lodge.. 
In acknowledging the prompt action of St, Cecile the Wash¬ 
ington lodge addressed a courteous letter of thanks, accom¬ 
panied by a copy of the memorial book issued by them at the 
time of the obsequies. Thus St. Cecile had the honor of being 
the first Masonic lodge—probably the first organized body of 
any sort—to adopt and send appropriate resolutions upon the 
untimely death of the martyred President. 

The kindly feelings entertained for R. W. Frederick Wid- 
dows was illustrated on November 15, when W. Bro. Hop¬ 
kins, in a speech extolling the virtues of this esteemed brother, 
proposed him for honorary membership. A committee was 
appointed and upon its favorable report the brother was 
unanimously elected. It was ordered that a certificate, suit¬ 
ably engrossed, be prepared and placed in the hands of the 
Master for presentation on some opportune occasion. On the 
12 th of January following W. Bro. John H. Allen went to 
the city of Washington for the express purpose of personally 
presenting the certificate in a manner as impressive as pos¬ 
sible. Bro. Allen was received with high honors in New 
Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9, by the Most Worshipful Grand Mas¬ 
ter of the District of Columbia in person, in the presence of 
a gathering of brethren which filled every available space in 
the hall. R. W. Bro. Widdows was called out before the 
great assemblage and there presented with the certificate. 


98 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1882 


The eloquent speeches filled his eyes with tears of pleasure 
and pride, as well they might. The occasion was a great one 
for Bro. Widdows and no less so for St. Cecile Lodge. Some 
of the best known Masons in the United States were present. 

The close of the year did not exhibit any extraordinary 
signs of prosperity in the lodge, but subsequent events proved 
that good seed had been sown which in due time brought forth 
satisfactory results. The earnestness of the Master, the par¬ 
ticularly careful work of the other officers, especially that of 
the Senior Deacon, Bro. Charles H. Govan, whose brilliant 
efforts during this year attracted much attention, brought back 
to the lodge in increasing measure that prosperity which had 
formerly marked her course. From that time on the lodge 
has never taken a serious backward step. 

1882. 

Among the prodigals who returned to the fold at the begin¬ 
ning of the year 1882 were several old members who had not 
attended lodge meetings for a number of years. Conspicuous 
among these was Bro. George W. Morgan, a charter member, 
who had been absent a long time. Bro. Morgan was sur¬ 
rounded by old friends, who insisted upon his accepting the 
post of lodge organist, which he did. 

It looked like a revival of the “ gool old days ” when on 
January 31 the lodge was honored by a visit from M. W. 
Horace S. Taylor, Grand Master, accompanied by members of 
his staff and other distinguished Masons. The Grand Master 
was welcomed with all the eclat possible, and made an address 
which greatly encouraged the brethren. The lodge worked the 
third degree and provided an excellent musical programme for 
the delectation of the visitors, who expressed their pleasure 
at the reception given them. An inspiriting event was the 
offer of Bro. Charles A. Stevenson to give a benefit perform¬ 
ance with his dramatic company in aid of the lodge treasury. 
This generous proposition met with ready acceptance. 


18821 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE 


99 


Although the lodge had on its roll actors and theatrical 
attaches of almost every sort, it was not until this communi¬ 
cation that professional circus performers were enrolled 
among the many branches of “ the profession ” represented. 
Among those elevated to the sublime degree of Master Mason 
were two gymnasts of high repute employed by a large trav¬ 
elling organization. 

One of those peculiarly delightful functions which linger 
lovingly in memory occurred on the 4th of April, when St. 
Cecile was honored by a fraternal visit from the Master 
and members of New Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9, of Washing¬ 
ton, D. C. The visit was supposed to be somewhat in the 
nature of a surprise, but W. Bro. Allen and his officers were 
not unprepared. The visiting delegation was led by the ven¬ 
erable founder of St. Cecile, R. W. Bro. Frederick Wid- 
dows, who, upon invitation of W. Bro. Allen, presided during 
the work of the second degree. Those from Washington 
included W. Bro. W. E. Dennison, Bros. Harrison Dingman, 
H. C. Bowers and several others. W. Bro. Dennison, on 
behalf of New Jerusalem Lodge, presented St. Cecile with 
an elaborately executed set of resolutions setting forth the 
amicable feeling existing between the two lodges, and ex¬ 
pressed in eloquent words the ties which bound them. Dur¬ 
ing the refreshment hour there were piano solos by Bro. 
George W. Morgan, and Bros. Henry Schwicardi and Henry 
W. Roe sang beautifully, Bro. Allan Latham recited, Bros. 
John Hunt, Alexander Davis, Michael Schlig, Christian 
Mihr, Laurence O’Reilly and Michael Link played a sextet 
for brass instruments. There was great enthusiasm at each 
number. The afternoon’s entertainment was only concluded 
in time to finish the degree work before dark. An imposing 
galaxy of Masonic notables were present, among whom may 
be mentioned R. W. Edward M. T^. Ehlers, then acting Grand 
Secretary; R. W. Lincoln Sage, J. G. D.; R. W. Erank 
Magee, G. S.; R. W. Bros. Costenbader, Hyde, Stelfax, J. 
M. O’Reilly, C. L. Clark, W. H. Reilly, and many others. 


100 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1882 


Later in the evening there were refreshments at a near-by 
restaurant. 

The officers deemed it wise, for economic reasons, to move 
from the quarters then occupied, and after obtaining permis¬ 
sion from the Grand Master the Trustees were ordered to 
secure the rooms of New York Lodge, No. 1, B.P.O.E., at 
Nos. 113-117 West Twenty-third Street, over Bryant’s Min¬ 
strel Hall. On May 2, 1882, the brethren met there for the 
first time. It was the 403 d communication of the lodge and 
the third degree was conferred upon three candidates. 

A peculiarly distressing accident was the drowning in 
Spofford Lake, N. H., of a promising young son of Bro. J. 
C. Reitzel. The young man had shown exceptional talent 
as an artist. Bro. George Conly, of St, Alban’s Lodge, No. 
529, Pennsylvania, well known as a vocalist, was fishing with 
young Reitzel when their boat was overturned and the two 
sank before assistance could reach them. It was a long time 
before the bodies were, recovered. Bro. Reitzel had the pro¬ 
found sympathy of all in the hour of his sorrow. 

By the request of the Most Worshipful Grand Master a 
musical programme was provided by St. Cecile for the open¬ 
ing ceremonies of the Grand Lodge, which convened June 6, 
in the Temple. Bro. George W. Morgan presided at the 
great organ and played as an introduction the “ Grand Pro¬ 
cessional March,” composed by him expressly for the Grand 
Lodge. Bro. William J. Castle, also a member of St. Cecile, 
sang with fine expression an opening solo, after which the 
members of St. Cecile joined in singing the “ Hallelujah 
Chorus.” The members then formed in procession and re¬ 
turned to their lodge room, where labor was resumed. On 
Wednesday, June 7, the following was introduced in the 
Grand Lodge by R, W. William T. Woodruff, and unani¬ 
mously adopted: 

Resolved , That the best thanks of this Grand Lodge are very largely 
due to St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, for the beautiful musical exercises fur¬ 
nished by that lodge at the opening of the Grand Lodge. 


1882 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


101 


An incident illustrating the universality of Freemasonry 
occurred in September, when the lodge received a request 
from St. John’s Lodge, FTo. 673, of Liverpool, England, to 
confer upon two of her fellowcrafts the sublime degree of 
Master Mason. The two brothers, Bence and Reid, being 
in very truth seafaring men, were unable to get the degree 
at home, owing to their enforced absence. St. Cecile com¬ 
plied with the request and reported the action taken to the 
proper Masonic authorities. 

Owing to the difficulty of obtaining a theatre in which 
to hold the performance, the benefit tendered by Bro. Charles 
A. Stevenson had long been in abeyance. About this time 
Mr. A. M. Palmer was approached on the subject and gen¬ 
erously donated the use of the Union Square Theatre for the 
purpose. The date decided upon was Thursday afternoon, 
January 27. 

Another name was added to the roll of those distinguished 
by honorary membership in the lodge when, September 19, 
R. W. James E. Morrison was elected for this distinction. 
Bro. Morrison was decidedly popular with the members of the 
lodge, with many of whom he was on terms of intimacy. The 
lodge ordered a certificate to be prepared for presentation. 

A glance at the names added to the roll during 1882 re¬ 
veals such well-known brethren as Theodore Thieler, lawyer; 
David H. Agan, M.D.; James H. Baxter, professionally 
known as George Olmi, opera singer; Isaac Friedenberg, 
merchant; Joseph Laendner, Gustave Mohr and Hugh E. 
Mollenhauer, musicians; Paul Drosihn, grocer, etc., many 
of whom are still living and active in lodge affairs. Cer¬ 
tainly good timber was accepted, though many applications 
were rejected. The annual reports were very encouraging, 
eleven new members having been enrolled during the year, 
and about $200 added to the funds in excess of expenditures. 
W. Bro. John H. Allen was re-elected Master, Bro. Allan 
Latham was elected Senior Warden and Bro. Michael Schlig 
Junior Warden. Bro. Theodore Thieler was appointed 


102 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1883 


Senior Deacon. It was decided to hold a public installation 
of officers and to invite the families of members to witness 
the ceremonies. 


1883. 

On Tuesday, January 2, 1883, the lodge met in a small 
room adjoining the regular lodge room, and forming in line 
marched into the larger room, which had been beautifully 
decorated for the occasion. The room was filled to the doors 
with ladies and other invited guests. After the ceremonies 
of installation were concluded R. W. James E. Morrison, 
acting Gran^d Master, invited all to remain for a musical 
entertainment contributed by such artists as Bros. George 
Olmi, John J. Howson, Alexander Liberati, Charles H. 
Govan, Mr. Marshall P. Wilder and others. At the conclu¬ 
sion of the entertainment the ladies were presented with 
handsome bouquets. This was the first public installation of 
officers held by the lodge and was voted a great social success. 
It was also the first occasion when printed invitations were 
sent out to lodge friends. 

ORIGIN OF THE LODGE CREST. 

Every member of St. Cecile, at least, is familiar with the 
emblem or crest frequently seen on the lodge printing, while 
comparatively few are aware of its origin. When a young- 
man, starting out to seek his fortune, Bro. “ Larry ” O’Reilly, 
for many years the efficient Secretary of the lodge, was pre¬ 
sented by a well-beloved sister with a talisman or keepsake 
in form like an old-fashioned horseshoe made of silver ar¬ 
ranged to be worn as a scarfpin. This he wore all through 
the Civil War and on his extensive travels. Upon becoming 
a Mason Bro. O’Reilly conceived the idea of incorporating 
in his keepsake something of a Masonic character. With this 
end in view he placed in the centre the square and compasses 


1883 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


103 


resting against the strings of a lyre, thus forming a very 
original and appropriate emblem for St. Cecile. Later when 
he became Secretary, he had a cut made and began using it 
on the lodge stationery as a crest, and many members adopted 
it as the lodge emblem, had pins made, and wore it as such. 
From time to time its appearance has been altered by the 
addition of the name and number of the lodge, inserted in the 
space at the foot, but the original form is as here given: 



While never adopted by formal vote of the lodge, the em¬ 
blem has been in use for so many years that printed matter 
without it now would scarcely be regarded as entirely official 
or complete. 

The singing of “ Old Hundred ” by members of the lodge 
during degree work was an innovation introduced by Bro. 
Thieler, Senior Deacon, a feature which added to the attrac¬ 
tiveness of the ceremonies. 

Through the open-hearted generosity of Bro. Charles A. 
Stevenson, of St. Cecile, and Mr. A. M. Palmer, the benefit 
performance which has been alluded to was given by the 
Kate Claxton Dramatic Company at the Union Square 
Theatre on Thursday afternoon, January 27, 1883. “ Frou 

Frou ” was played to a crowded house, and the performance 
was an artistic and financial success. The affair was wholly 
arranged and carried to a successful conclusion by Bro. 
Stevenson, assisted in no small measure by his charming 
wife, Miss Kate Claxton. Bro. Stevenson had often ex¬ 
pressed regret that he was unable to take a more active part 






104 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1883 


in the lodge work, owing to frequent absences from the city 
with his theatrical company. To make amends, as he put it, 
the benefit was arranged. It was a great stroke for the lodge 
finances, $475 in cash being turned over to the Treasurer. 
A heartfelt vote of thanks was passed by the lodge, and the 
Worshipful Master personally visited Miss Claxton and ex¬ 
pressed to her the gratitude of the lodge. It was decided 
that the money realized from this benefit should he used ex¬ 
clusively for charity. 

Early in May it was resolved to arrange for a “ Ladies’ 
Matinee.” Committees were appointed to make preparations 
and the feminine relatives and friends of members were 
invited to he the guests of St. Cecile Lodge on Tuesday after¬ 
noon, May 29. As may he inferred, the ladies needed no 
great urging, and they turned out in force. There was a 
fine orchestra from the Union Square Theatre, under the 
leadership of Bro. Henry Tissington. Following is the pro¬ 
gramme : 


PART FIRST. 

1. March . Orchestra 

Composed and dedicated to St. Cecile Lodge by Bro. Henry Tissington. 

2. Opening Addresss . By the Worhipful Master 

3. Overture . Orchestra 

4. Song . Bro. L. S. Stone 

5. Flute Solo . Bro. Lax 

6. Song . Bro. George Olrni 

7. Horn Solo . Bro. Weston 

8. Recitation . Bro. Chas. Govan 


INTERMISSION. 

Organ Obligato . Bro. G. TF. Morgan 


PART SECOND. 

g f Selections . 

( Xylophone Solo . 

10. Song . 

11. Song (Comic) . 

12. Recitation .. 

13. Song . 

14. Recitation . 

15. Song . 


. . . . Orchestra 

Bro. John Senia , Jr. 

Bro. TF. J. Castle 
. Bro. John Howson 
. . Bro. Lamb 

. . Bro. Digby Bell 

. Bro. Allan Latham 
. . Bro. St. Clair 

















1883] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


105 


The fine programme was greatly enjoyed by the large audi¬ 
ence, which demanded many encores. The moving spirit was 
W. Bro. John H. Allen, ably assisted by Bros. Govan, Schlig, 
Latham, Tissington, Olmi and O’Reilly. 

The Master appointed as a committee to prepare suitable 
music for the Grand Lodge opening exercises Bros. George 
W. Morgan, William H. Anstead and George Olmi. On 
Tuesday, June 5, St. Cecile Lodge met at the rooms in 
Twenty-third Street, and, preceded by W. Bros. John H. 
Allen and Myron A. Decker, marched in double file up the 
street' to the Temple, taking no little pride in the attention 
they attracted from passers-by. In the Grand Lodge Hall 
the ceremonies began with Morgan’s “ Processional,” the 
great organ being augmented by brass instruments played by 
members of the lodge. The musicians participating were 
Bros. George W. Morgan, John Hunt, John G. Pfeiffer, 
Reuben Withers, Louis Baer, William H. Anstead and 
Michael Link. By special request of the Grand Master, Bro. 
William J. Castle sang as a solo the “ Opening Ode,” com¬ 
posed for the Grand Lodge by Bro. George W. Morgan. One 
of the features of the day was the singing of “ Old Hundred ” 
by the entire assembly, led by St. Cecile Lodge and band. 
The effect was impressive and inspiring. The Grand Lodge 
unanimously adopted the following resolution, which was 
sent to St. Cecile Lodge, bearing the official seal: 

Masonic Hall, New York, Oct. G, 1883. 
To the Officers and Members of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

At the one hundred and second annual communication of the Grand 
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, held 
June 5, A. L. 5883, the following resolution was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved , That the thanks of the Grand Lodge are hereby extended to 
St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, for the charming musical programme so beau¬ 
tifully rendered at the opening of this session of the Grand Lodge. 

(seal) Edward M. L. Ehlers, 

Grand Secretary. 

This highly gratifying communication was read to the 
brethren, and by vote of the lodge it was resolved to have the 


106 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[i88a 


letter properly framed and hung in a conspicuous place in 
the lodge room, which ivas subsequently done. 


CHARITY BOX DISPLAYED IX LODGE ROOM. 

The beautiful “ charity box ” displayed in the lodge room 
for so many years was placed there by W. Bro. Myron A. 
Decker at his own expense, June 19. Upon being opened in 
December it was found to contain $11.16. It has been the 
receptacle of many times that amount since those days. 

Agreeable to a special invitation officers and members of 
the lodge paid a fraternal visit to Covenant Lodge, Ho. 758, 
on the evening of June 20, and assisted in the degree work. 
Brethren of Covenant Lodge returned the visit on the 21st 
of November. There was a great throng of visitors in the* 
lodge room, many of whom were from afar—some from 
Alaska and California. The degree was conferred in full 
form, costumes being used, the ceremony concluding with 
stereopticon views illustrative of the work. B. W. William. 
J. Gage, District Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh, and 
many prominent brethren honored the lodge with their presc 
ence. 

Uniform courtesy marked the kindly feelings frequently 
shown toward St. Cecile by New York Lodge, No. 1, B.P.O.E. 
On December 4 a formal resolution was adopted thanking the 
Elks Lodge for their many courteous acts, especially that of 
placing their piano at the disposal of St. Cecile and promising 
to see that the instrument was kept in proper tune. 

A pleasing incident in connection with the annual meeting 
was the presentation to the lodge of a handsome crayon por¬ 
trait of R. W. Frederick Widdows, sent from Washington in 
response to a request from the lodge for his photograph to 
be placed in the lodge album. The gift was accompanied by 
a letter expressing the love the venerable founder felt for 
the lodge and his regret at not being present. The presenta¬ 
tion to the lodge was made by the eldest Past Master present,. 


1884 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


107 


W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, and the picture was received 
in behalf of the lodge by the Master. 

In presenting their report for the year the Trustees directed 
special attention to the untiring energy displayed by W. Bro. 
John H. Allen and his associate officers, and complimented 
the lodge upon the splendid support of its members. W. Bro. 
John H. Allen was prevailed upon to accept a re-election as 
Master, Bro. Allan Latham was re-elected Senior Warden 
and Bro. Charles A. Stevenson Junior Warden. Dr. David 
H. Agan was appointed Senior Deacon. 

The Master expressed his pleasure at the harmonious spirit 
which pervaded the lodge. He also voiced the satisfaction of 
the brethren that the Temple had been preserved from de¬ 
struction in the recent fire, which had caused a loss of over 
$60,000. It was decided by vote to hold a public installation 
of officers in January, and a committee was appointed to 
make the necessary arrangements. Bro. Thieler at this com¬ 
munication gave notice of an amendment to the by-laws 
changing the hour of meeting to half-past one in the after¬ 
noon. 


1884. 

A letter of thanks was received from Hew Jerusalem 
Lodge, Ho. 9, Washington, D. C., for fraternal courtesies 
extended to its officers and members by Bro. Charles A. Ste¬ 
venson, of St. Cecile Lodge, while sojourning in that city a 
short time before. 

For a long time the lodge had not been connected with the 
Masonic Board of Belief, but W. Bro. Decker, who had given 
the subject considerable attention, explained in detail the 
methods of the Board and stated that its work was worthy 
of support. By vote of the lodge it was decided to get in 
touch with the Board again. 

When it becatne known that St. Cecile Lodge intended to 
have a public installation on January 15 the demand for 


108 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1884 


invitations became so great that it was deemed expedient to 
obtain the Grand Lodge Hall for that day. This proved to 
be a wise precaution, for when the doors were opened the 
waiting guests quickly filled the spacious room to its full 
capacity. Meanwhile the brethren met in the regular lodge 
room, and, preceded by the officers, all in their best apparel, 
marched proudly up Twenty-third Street to the Temple. The 
beautiful decorations, the inspiring music, the large gathering 
of handsomely dressed ladies, combined to make a picturesque 
scene likely to be remembered. The ceremonies which pre¬ 
ceded the entertainment were conducted by M. W. Charles 
Roome, P. G. M., assisted by R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers 
as Grand Marshal. After the impressive ceremony of in¬ 
stalling the officers there was presented an entertainment such 
as has made St. Cecile Lodge justly famous. 

ORDER OF EXERCISES. 


Organ Voluntary.Bro. G. W. Morgan 

Reception of Installing Officers. 

Grand March—“ St. Cecile ”.Tissington 

Orchestra. 

Installation Ceremonies. 

Overture—“ Fest ” .Bach 

Orchestra. 

Musical Declamation—“ Des Sangers Fluch ”.Uhland 

Bros. Latham and Morgan. 

Song..Miss Annie Pixley 

Flute Solo—“ Witches’ Dance ”.Paganini 

Bro. F. Lax. 

Recitation—“ Scotch Words ”.Bro. Chas. H. Govan 

Song—“ Plappy Muleteer ”.Tully 

Bro. R. Senior. 

Recitation—“ Robert of Lincoln ”.Miss Alcyone E. Gallup 

French Horn Solo.Bro. Harry Weston 

Selection—“ Beggar Student ”.Wiegand 


Song—“ Mia Piceirella ” 


Orchestra. 


Miss Frances Guthrie 












1884] OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 109 

Recitation—“ The Fun Did Not Pay for the Trouble ” . . Bro. Latham 

Song—“ Nil Desperandum ”.R. Inch 

Bro. R. Senior. 

Violin Solo—“ Souvenir di Moscow ”.Weinewescki 

Accompanist, Bro. G. W. Morgan. 

Directors of Orchestra, 

Bros. Tissington, Neyer and Papst. 


Tims beguiled with song and story the afternoon passed all 
too quickly, but the recollection of those pleasant hours lingers 
fondly in the memories of veterans. 

The constitutional time having elapsed since giving notice 
thereof, Bro. Thieler on January 29 called up his amendment 
changing the hour of meeting to half-past one in the afternoon. 
The resolution was unanimously adopted without serious dis¬ 
cussion, as all the brethren realized the necessity of meeting 
earlier than had been the custom. 

Bro. “ Charley ” Stevenson generously proposed giving the 
lodge another benefit by his theatrical company and guar¬ 
anteed the lodge against financial loss. The kind offer was 
gratefully accepted and a committee was appointed to make 
preliminary arrangements. The date was changed several 
times, owing to inability to get a theatre and because of Bro. 
Stevenson’s extended tours away from the city, and the enter¬ 
prise was finally abandoned. 

Intelligence of the sudden death from apoplexy of Bro. 
Alfred Burnett at his home in Cincinnati on April 4 caused 
feelings of great sorrow among his many friends. The family 
declined to allow any Masonic service at the funeral. Relig¬ 
ious services were held in the Central Christian Church, in 
Hinth Street, which were largely attended by members of 
the many organizations to which he belonged, including Ma¬ 
sons, Odd Fellows, Elks and Grand Army of the Republic, 
who attended as individuals. Bro. Burnett was born at Utica, 
n. Y., in 1825, and was raised in St. Cecile Lodge, March 
21, 1865, being the third initiate. He was a professional 
humorist, mimic and lecturer, well known in England and 




10 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1884 


America, and always displayed a marked affection for Ma¬ 
sonry, although his constant travelling prevented him from 
regular attendance at lodge communications. 

SUCCESSFUL AFTERNOON ENTERTAINMENT. 

A very pleasant afternoon entertainment was provided for 
the ladies on May 13. The affair was in the nature of a 
family gathering, and was largely attended by members and 
their relatives. There was a programme of music and recita¬ 
tions, after which refreshments were served. Members and 
guests vied with each other in promoting good-fellowship; 
all became acquainted, and there was merriment and a jolly 
good time. 

There were many interesting meetings during the spring, 
notably the occasion of the visit, in April, of M. W. Edward 
J. Simons, Grand Master, accompanied by members of his 
staff. The Grand Master’s address was listened to with 
marked interest, and during the refreshment hour there was 
a special programme of high class music in honor of the dis¬ 
tinguished visitors. 

Again, in November, was St. Cecile honored by a visit 
from Grand Lodge officials. Upon this occasion R. W. Frank 
R. Lawrence, D. G. M., accompanied by a delegation which 
filled the room to overflowing, entered and was accorded the 
place of honor beside the Master, who assured him of the 
esteem in which he was held by the brethren. Bro. Law¬ 
rence’s remarks provoked the greatest enthusiasm. During 
refreshment Bro. George W. Morgan, famous as an instru¬ 
mentalist, surprised all by singing solos and delivering a reci¬ 
tation. Among the Masons of celebrity present was M. W. 
“ Bob ” Morris, P. G. M., of Kentucky, who felt constrained 
to dedicate to St. Cecile Lodge a poem which he read for the 
edification of the brethren. One of those who were received 
into full membership on this day was Bro. Marshall P. Wil¬ 
der, the well-known raconteur, who also contributed to the 


1885] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


Ill 


enjoyment of the occasion by several of his inimitable charac¬ 
terizations. 

Although urged at the annual communication to serve an¬ 
other year as Master, W. Bro. John H. Allen pleaded busi¬ 
ness engagements and declined the honor, but accepted a posi¬ 
tion as Trustee. It is in no sense derogatory to the record 
of other faithful executives to say that, judging from the 
records, the lodge never had an abler, more conscientious, 
painstaking and popular Master than W. Bro. Allen. 

Bro. Allan Latham succeeded to the east, supported by 
Bro. David H. Agan as Senior Warden and Bro. Michael 
Schlig as Junior Warden. The Treasurer and Secretary were 
both unanimously re-elected, and the new Master announced 
his appointments, which will be found in full with those of 
other years elsewhere in this volume. The officers were in¬ 
stalled by M. W. Benjamin Flagler, P. G. M., assisted by 
B. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers as Grand Marshal. It was re¬ 
solved to entertain the friends of the lodge on January 6. 
Bros. David H. Agan, Benjamin E. Hays and Raymond R. 
Minor were appointed to represent the lodge on the Masonic 
Board of Relief. 


1885. 

W. Bro. Allan Latham (Musician).—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, June 30, 1868. Senior Master of 
Ceremonies, 1869-70-71; Senior Warden, 1881-83-84; 
Master, 1885. Also served as Trustee. 

The eleventh Master of St. Cecile Lodge is descended from old stock, 
both in America and England, in the latter country the family tracing 
its lineage back to William the Conqueror. Masonic membership has run 
through various branches of the family. The Earl of Latham stands 
high in the councils of the fraternity in England, and W. Bro. Latham’s 
father, M. E. Bela Latham, was Grand Commander, Iv. T., of Ohio, in 
1845, and was honored by having a lodge named for him in Kenton, O. 
W. Bro. Allan Latham came to New York City in January, 18G7, and has 
since been engaged in lecturing, with stereopticon views, when not other- 


112 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1885 


wise employed as a musician in the various orchestras. After joining 
the lodge he became interested in the work, and has retained his mem¬ 
bership in St. Cecile ever since. 

It was necessary to use the largest hall in the building 
to accommodate the host of friends who answered the invita¬ 
tion to an entertainment on January 6. The committee pro¬ 
vided a bill of rare excellence, as follows:— 


GEO. S. WEEKS . Tenor. 

HARRY E. DIXEY. Song and Recitation. 

ALBERT OPERTI. Charcoal Sketching 

EDWARD S. JONES . . . Dialect and Humorous Recitations. 

LOUIS J. CORNU. Violin Solo. 

GEO. W. MORGAN. Organ Solo. 

EMIL HABERCORN. Piano Solo. 

JOHN HOW SON.Song. 

i 

CHAS. H. GOVAN .. Comic Descriptive Song. 

MICHAEL SCHLIG, P. and J. PETERS. String Trio. 

FRANK W. NASH. Cornet Solo. 


Wor. Bro. ALLAN LATHAM will give a selection from an Illustrated 
Lecture on the Arctic Circle, consisting of many new and interesting views 
taken by the Greely Relief Expedition, and now presented to the public 
for the first time. 

The orchestra will he under the direction of 
Bro. HENRY TISSINGTON. 

The rooms were tastefully decorated for the occasion, and 
everything passed off smoothly and successfully. 

In accordance with notice previously given a large num¬ 
ber of brethren turned out on the 31st of March to listen 
to a lecture on “ Esoteric Masonry/’ by M. W. Robert Mor¬ 
ris, of Kentucky, popularly known as the “ Poet Laureate 
of Masonry.” During the course of the distinguished 
brother’s address he alluded to the poem he had written in 
honor of the lodge, and which he read amid much applause, 
as follows: 











1885] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


113 


THE SINGING CRAFT OF ST. CECILE. 

Lines Composed and Affectionately Inscribed to the Master. Wardens 
and Brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 5G8, New York City. 

By Robert Morris. 

The singing craft of St. Cecile 

Your poet well may praise. 

The solemn chant, the merry peal, 

Such wealth of harmony reveal 
That listeners, in amaze, 

Exclaim, This is no common fire; 

This comes from a celestial choir. 

The social craft of St. Cecile 

Your poet well may praise. 

Such jests and healthy fun reveal 
A lodge where Momus has his seal 
And Comus hangs his bays. 

In innocent mirth their hours go by 
And leave sweet memories as they fly. 

The generous craft of St. Cecile 

Your poet well may praise. 

A brother’s woes they keenly feel 
At lowest spoke of fortune’s wheel; 

The gathering tear betrays 
That sympathy so rarely found 
In human hearts, on earthly ground. 

Join me in praise of St. Cecile, 

Ye lovers of the craft. 

May time in bounteous measure deal 
With every member true and leal 
A polished parian shaft, 

And when their lodge notes all expire 
May the Great Master call them higher. 


One enthusiastic brother immediately introduced a resolu¬ 
tion thanking Bro. Morris for his offering, which was unani¬ 
mously passed, and the poem was ordered inserted in full in 
the’minutes. 

Those having the best interests of the lodge at heart had 
long been convinced that the only proper place for St. Cecile 


114 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1885 


Lodge to call “ home ” was the Masonic Temple, and upon 
thoroughly discussing the matter it was resolved to return 
there as soon as possible. The Trustees were therefore or¬ 
dered to secure the Tuscan Room, where the lodge had for¬ 
merly met. W. Bro. Decker, chairman of the Board of 
Trustees, reported at a subsequent meeting that the Tuscan 
Koom had been leased at an anuual rental of $200. The 
last meeting at Nos. 113-117 West Twenty-third Street took 
place on April 21, 1885. A letter thanking New York Lodge, 
No. 1, B.P.O.E., for the use of their piano and for many 
other courtesies was prepared, donations were made to the 
janitors of the building, and the lodge property was prepared 
for removal to the Temple. On May 5, at half-past one in 
the afternoon, the lodge was opened in the Tuscan Room. 
Among those present on this occasion was R. W. Theodore 
Tilton, District Deputy of the Seventh, and other prominent 
Masonic brethren well known in the Temple. Congratulatory 
addresses were made by Bro. Tilton, Bro. Allan and others. 
There was general rejoicing that the lodge again had quarters 
in keeping with its standing and character. The approach 
of the twentieth anniversary attracted the attention of the 
brethren and committees were appointed to arrange details 
for properly celebrating the event. 

During the visit of R. W. Theodore Tilton, and upon sev¬ 
eral other occasions, the brethren were charmed with classical 
music by the Knickerbocker Quartet, composed of Bro. George 
S. Weeks, Jr., first tenor; J. M. Smith, second tenor; Le 
Grande McKown, first bass, and Samuel Meigs, second bass. 
These brethren were vocalists of high repute, some of whom 
sang in opera. 

St. Cecile Lodge was present and assisted in opening the 
sessions of the Grand Lodge, on June 2, with music, solos 
being sung by Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr. Referring to this 
talented brother, a charter member of the lodge, who fre¬ 
quently sang at lodge meetings during many years, it is only 
necessary to say he was a professional tenor of splendid 


1885 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


115 


power, whose singing of “ You’ll Remember Me ” and sim¬ 
ilar selections never failed to thrill his hearers. 

CELEBRATION OF THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY. 

There was some anxiety as to the financial ability of the 
lodge to properly celebrate the twentieth anniversary, but the 
brethren finally got together to make the affair a success. The 
celebration took the form of a banquet at the restaurant of 
Bro. Polifonte Morelli,. in Twenty-eighth Street near Fifth 
Avenue, on the night of Wednesday, June 17. R. W. Edward 
M. L. Ehlers was present and in the course of a characteris¬ 
tically witty address declared that the year 1865 was one 
of the most important in American Masonic history, for that 
year witnessed the birth of St. Cecile Lodge and also his own 
induction into the mysteries of Freemasonry—epochal events 
for the craft. R. W. James E. Morrison delivered an elo¬ 
quent address, in which he feelingly alluded to the “ absent 
ones,” concluding by referring to the unavoidable absence of 
the Master, and then, on behalf of W. Bro. Latham, drew 
forth a mysterious parcel, which he presented to W. Bro. 
John H. Allen. Bro. Allen thought the proceeding something 
of a joke and gingerly opened the little packet. He was 
dumfounded when he discovered within it a handsome gold 
watch and chain, the gift of his brethren in the lodge. In 
a recent letter W. Bro. Allen informed the writer that he 
carries this token in his pocket to-day in far-away Australia 
and regards it as a most precious souvenir. W. Bro. 
Latham was unable to join the company till eleven o’clock, 
when he hurried in from the theatre where he was nightly 
employed. He was greeted with a burst of applause and 
delivered a felicitous speech which had evidently been pre¬ 
pared with care, and in which many trite proverbs were in¬ 
geniously interwoven. W. Bro. Myron A. Decker and W. 
Bro. John H. Allen gave reminiscent talks, testifying to the 
pride they felt at the vigor and prosperity of the lodge, whose 


116 


ONE THOUSAXD COMMUNICATIONS 


[1885 


growth they had watched with the most earnest solicitude for 
many years. Bro. Ralph Delmore recited te The Pride of 
Battery B,” Bro. Charles H. Govan gave a German dialect 
sketch, and Bro. Frederic C. P. Robinson gave his admirable 
rendition of “ The Vagabonds.’’ Altogether, the occasion was 
one of the most enjoyable in the annals of St. Cecile. 

A matter which stirred up considerable feeling was that 
of placing a piano in the lodge room. Some of the other 
lodges meeting in the room objected to having a piano there. 
After correspondence on the subject, and through the influence 
of a Grand Lodge officer, the custodians of the building finally 
granted the necessary permission, and in February, 1886, 
Bros. Laurence O’Reilly, Henry Tissington and W. Bro. 
Allan Latham were appointed a committee to purchase a piano 
and have it installed in the Tuscan Room. The instrument 
was purchased from W. Bro. Decker’s firm for $250. That 
the members considered the piano a bargain may be inferred 
from the fact that a special vote of thanks was given Bro. 
Decker for “ his generosity in giving the lodge such an ex¬ 
cellent instrument at such low terms.” 

A large funeral was that of Bro. Christian Milir, who was 
buried from his residence, in First Avenue, on December 11. 
There was a band of music discoursing solemn airs and a 
large procession of friends. Masonic services were conducted 
by W. Bro. John H. Allen. 

At the close of the year the lodge was found to be in quite 
a healthy state. The number of members in good standing 
was 139. Although there was something over $500 owing for 
dues, the finances were in a satisfactory condition. Receipts 
of the year were $1,082, which with $118.22 carried over 
from the preceding year made a total of $1,200.22 cash re¬ 
ceived. The amount in bank was $1,012.63. Expenses for 
the year totalled $787.89. During the election of officers, 
which was somewhat perfunctory, there were no contests, 
the officers merely moving forward. Bro. David IT. Agan, 
M.D., was elected Master, with Bro. Michael Schlig as 


1886 ] 


OF ST. C EC ILF LODGE 


117 


Senior Y arden, and Bro. John E. Morse as Junior Warden. 
B. Y . Edward M. L. Ehlers presided in that happy manner 
which caused the brethren then and there to resolve that 
henceforth no other official should be invited to install St. 
('ecile’s officers when Bro. Ehlers’ services were to be had. 


1886. 

W. Bko. David II. Agan (Physician).—Raised in Even¬ 
ing* Star Lodge, Xo. 75, West Troy, X. Y., December 13, 
1870. Affiliated with St. Cecile Lodge, Xo. 568, December 
10, 1882. Senior Master of Ceremonies, 1883; Senior Dea¬ 
con, 1881; Senior Warden, 1885; Master, 1886; Chaplain, 
1888. 

Born on a farm fifteen miles east of Troy, N. Y., June 7, 1S48, Dr. 
Agan has by liis own efforts risen from a farm hand and made a name 
as a physician of unusual skill and learning. As a boy he was accus¬ 
tomed to walk two miles to school, over the country roads in the freezing 
blasts of winter. The summer was occupied in attending to the necessary 
labor of the farm. An education acquired under such adverse circum¬ 
stances is not likely to be lost in after years. When eighteen years old 
Bro. Agan found employment in the shipping department of a large 
foundry in West Troy (now known as Watervliet), afterward becoming 
an apprentice in the moulding room, where he served his full time and 
became a journeyman. Meanwhile his evenings were employed in study 
at a near by commercial school. lie began reading medical works early 
in the seventies, studying with Dr. Daniel Magee, a highly reputable 
physician practising in Troy. In 1877 Bro. Agan had saved enough from 
his earnings as a moulder to take a course in the University of Vermont, 
going from there to the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, 
where he graduated in 1878. In the autumn of 1878 he came to the 
metropolis and entered Bellevue Medical College, graduating in March, 
1870. lie at once entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, at¬ 
taining success. Bro. Agan became a Mason in 1870 in Evening Star 
Lodge, No. 75, and after serving as Senior Master of Ceremonies was 
elected Senior Deacon; in 1S72 he was elected Junior Warden, and had 
he remained in Troy no doubt would shortly have been elected Master 
of his lodge. He is a Past High Priest of Hudson River Chapter, No. 
202. Owing to the demands upon his time the genial physician is only 
able to visit St. Cecile occasionally, but keeps in touch with all lodge 


matters. 


118 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


:i88£> 


The strenuous efforts put forth by M. W. Frank R. Law¬ 
rence, Grand Master, to lift the load of debt from the Temple 
met with the decided approbation of members of St. Cecile, 
who encouraged all efforts toward that end. During the win¬ 
ter yarious schemes to raise money for this praiseworthy ob¬ 
ject were assisted by the lodge, and on April 6, on an appeal 
from the Grand Master, the lodge contributed $200 from the 
funds to aid in liquidating the debt. 

The discussion about the piano previously alluded to did not 
end with the installation of the instrument in the lodge room. 
It was contended by some of the lodges meeting in the Tuscan 
Room that a piano placed there should be for the use of all 
lodges meeting in that room. This proposition did not meet 
with favor from the brethren of St. Cecile, who naturally 
felt that ownership endowed them with some exclusive rights. 
The lodge Trustees were finally authorized as a compromise 
to rent the piano to other lodges for $10 a year. At the same 
time a resolution of thanks was tendered R. W. George Hayes, 
Grand Steward, for having obtained from the Hall and Asy¬ 
lum Trustees the privilege of placing the piano in the room 
and for his efforts to aid in the peaceful possession thereof. 

Members of the lodge were startled by the intelligence that 
Bro. Henry Tissington, Treasurer of the lodge since its incep¬ 
tion, had fainted in the lobby of the Union Square Theatre, 
April 16, had been removed by friends to his home, and 
died that night. He was a man of exemplary habits, who 
rarely missed a communication of the lodge during all the 
years of his membership. He had been failing in health for 
some time, but had continued to conduct the orchestra made 
famous by his efforts. By desire of the family, there was 
no Masonic service at his obsequies, which were attended by 
more than two score of the members of the lodge. Bros. Ray¬ 
mond R. Minor and Paul Drosihn guarded the body previous 
to the funeral and accompanied it to the grave. The lodge 
sent a floral piece and adopted resolutions, which were in¬ 
scribed on a memorial page in the records. And so passed one 


18861 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


119 


of the most conspicuous members. Bro. Tissington was made 
a Mason in Eureka Lodge, No. 243, in September, 1855, and 
withdrew to become a charter member of St. Cecile in 1865. 
He was selected for Treasurer on account of his well known 
executive ability, and from that time he was annually re¬ 
elected as long as he lived. Bro. Tissington was a native of 
England, where he was born in 1822, the son of an English 
officer. In manhood he became, like his father, a soldier, and 
served with his regiment in many strange lands. At one 
time he was a member of the band of the famous “ Light 
Brigade/’ which many years before had won imperishable 
glory at Balaklava. One of the anecdotes which is remem¬ 
bered by his old friends, and which he delighted to tell about 
those days, was of a certain occasion when he had had his 
hair cut contrary to the regulations and presented himself 
at the barracks. He was seen by an officious young officer, 
who took the opportunity to humiliate the innocent offender. 
Bro. Tissington was a man of peculiar temperament, very 
loyal to his friends, but a determined antagonist, as became 
a military man. He was the soul of honor and u every inch 
a gentleman.” 

Through the well-directed efforts of Bro. Robinson mem¬ 
bers of the lodge were granted the use of the elevators in the 
Temple on lodge days, and thus relieved of the necessity of 
walking upstairs. Bro. Robinson was congratulated upon the 
success of his campaign. 

St. Cecile Lodge furnished music at the opening of the 
105th annual communication of the Grand Lodge, on June 1, 
as was the custom, but owing to the illness of Bro. William 
Castle the usual solos were omitted. 


ADOPTION OF IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS. 

Discussion of several amendments to the constitution sub¬ 
mitted by the Grand Lodge for the consideration of the 


120 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


T1886 


lodges of the State was had by St. Cecile Lodge at the meet¬ 
ing of June 15, and after thorough argument of the proposi¬ 
tions submitted the lodge took action upon them and notified 
the Grand Secretary of the result. On September 15 St. 
Cecile Lodge was informed that the amendment levying a 
tax of six dollars on each member had been carried. A spir¬ 
ited debate concerning the finances of the lodge ensued, and 
it was at first thought expedient to give a benefit performance 
to raise the necessary money. This scheme was abandoned, 
and it w T as decided, after much argument, to draw the money 
from the bank and pay it over to those authorized to receive 
it. Bro. Govan fought hard and successfully for the resolu¬ 
tion, though opposed to it were some of the most influential 
members of the lodge. St. Cecile’s quota was $834, part of 
which had been paid in the spring. At the annual meeting 
in December a warrant was ordered drawn for $619, the 
balance due. 

Notwithstanding the time consumed in financial arguments 
and consideration of the various charities, the lodge managed 
to find an occasional hour for a number of exceedingly 
enjoyable entertainments during refreshment at the various 
meetings held during the year. It was a very poor day, in¬ 
deed, when there was no talent in sight. As a matter of fact, 
such a contingency could scarcely occur, as almost every mem¬ 
ber of the lodge was some sort of an entertainer, either pro¬ 
fessional or amateur. During the year the brethren were fre¬ 
quently entertained by Bro. Harberti, a splendid 'vocalist; 
Bro. Robert Fulford, well-known leading man, whose rendi¬ 
tion of “ Othello’s Address ” and other Shakespearean selec¬ 
tions were superb, and Bro. “ Llarry ” Roe, who sang “ A Son 
of the Desert Am I ” and similar songs for bass with 
splendid effect. Besides these there were such well-known 
singers, actors and musicians as Bros. George S. Weeks, Jr., 
“ Harry ” Pepper, George E. Fuller, Frederic C. P. Robin¬ 
son, Ralph Delmore, Charles H. Govan, Alexander Liberati 
and William A. M. De Watteville, and on several occasions 


IS 86 1 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE 


121 













122 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1887 


Bro. Horatio C. King, a popular lawyer, obliged with reci¬ 
tations, once surprising all by bursting into song. There were 
any number of others ready with instrument, song or story. 

An invitation extended R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers to 
officiate during the annual election was promptly accepted. 
Upon assuming the chair Bro. Ehlers addressed a few remarks 
to the brethren which deeply touched them. He particularly 
referred to the absence of the familiar features of Bro. Henry 
Tissington, the deceased Treasurer, of whom he spoke in elo¬ 
quent praise. In the election for officers it was found that 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker had again been selected to fill the 
east. Bro. John E. Morse was elected Senior Warden, and 
Bro. William H. Livingston Junior Warden, Bro. Martin 
Papst was elected Treasurer, and Bro. Laurence O’Reilly 
Secretary. It was decided to hold a public installation of 
officers the first Tuesday in January. 


1887. 

On the 4th of January the public installation of officers 
took place. Handsomely printed invitations had been sent 
out and the friends of the lodge gathered in numbers to wit¬ 
ness the ceremony. The Commandery Room had been ob¬ 
tained and soon was filled with ladies and gentlemen intent 
upon witnessing some of the “ open work ” of Ereemasonry. 
M. W. Charles Roome, P. G. M., accepted an invitation to 
install the officers, while R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers acted 
as Grand Marshal. The ceremonies which followed were ex¬ 
ceedingly interesting to the audience, many of whom had 
never witnessed anything of the kind before. After the offi¬ 
cers had been properly installed in their places, the following 


programme was presented: 

1. Grand March—“ Nibelungen ”.Wagner 

2. Overture—“ Festlichkeit ”.Reissiger 


By the orchestra, under the direction of Emil Habercorn. 




1887] OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 123 

3. Violin Solo—Aria.De Beriot 

Otto Dossenbach. 

4. Vocal Selection—“ Sicilian Vespers ” .Verdi 

“ I Fear No Foe ”.Pinsuti 

J. Arveschou. 

5. Reading—“ Mark Antony’s Oration ”.Shakespeare 

“ Lord Ullin’s Daughter ”.Campbell 

Frederic Robinson. 

6. Quartette—“ Occarina ”.Clements 

By members of Harrigan’s Theatre Orchestra. 

7. Recitation—Comicalities.Selected 

Mr. Caldwell. 

8. Ballad—“ My Dearest Heart ”.Sullivan 

George Weeks. 

9. Viola Solo—Fantasia.Ivudelski 


Theodore Jacoby. 

10. Vocal Selections—•“ Never to Know ” ....... - 

“ Who Shall be my Darling ”.Abt 


William Castle. 

11. Funny Dialect Stories.Selected 

Chas. H. Govan. 

12. Vocal—“ The Challenge of Thor ”.. Longfellow 


W. A. De Watteville. 

At the conclusion of this entertainment the ladies were each 
presented with a handsome bouquet, after which the feminine 
portion of the audience retired happy and content with the 
hospitality of St. Cecile Lodge. Members of the lodge before 
leaving repaired to the lodge room for brief transaction of 
business. 

The lodge was visited by R. W. George W. Creiger, District 
Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh, on February 1. The 
distinguished brother was welcomed by the Master, after 
which he addressed the lodge. Second degree was the work, 
and Bro. Charles H. Govan, Senior Deacon, was highly com¬ 
plimented by the District Deputy, who declared he had never 
heard a more superb rendition of the lecture. A letter from 
the Grand Master, rejoicing in the progress made toward the 
obliteration of the debt upon the Temple, was read for the 
edification of the brethren. One of the petitions for 















124 


ONE THOU SAM) COMMUNICATIONS 


[1887 


membership presented this day was that of Mr. Robert 
Recker, orchestra leader. 

Visitors during the winter were often charmed with the 
delightful vocal music contributed by St. Cecile’s Quartet 
during the progress of the degree work and in the refresh¬ 
ment hour, and also by the rendition of instrumental music 
by several of the brethren. On one noteworthy occasion the 
“ Hallelujah Chorus/ 7 composed by Bro. Morgan, was given, 
the author at the organ, accompanied by Bros. »Tohn Pfeiffer, 
Alexander Davis, Michael Schlig, George Puller, Michael Link, 
of St. Cecile; Bro. Niehoff, of Germania, and Bro. Charles 
Sanderson, of Scotia Lodge, with various instruments, includ¬ 
ing trumpets, drums, etc., the whole combining to produce a 
majestic harmony which probably could not have been sur¬ 
passed anywhere, each of the contributing musicians being 
recognized as among the best. This was a particularly fine 
concert. 

As had been the custom for many years, St. Cecile attended 
the opening ceremonies of the Grand Lodge, the first Tuesday 
in June, and provided for the enjoyment of the members of 
the grand body a fine musical programme, given under direc¬ 
tion of Bro. George W. Morgan. 

Announcement of the death of Bro. Thomas G. Howard, 
which occurred at his residence, in Perry Street, on June 4, 
filled the brethren with sorrow. The lodge was notified 
through the daily newspapers and attended the funeral ser¬ 
vices on the 5th. W. Bro. Decker conducted the Masonic 
services. Bro. Howard affiliated from Rocky Mountain 
Lodge, March 28, 1865, and signed the roll on the same day 
as Bro. Thomas S. Xedham. 

It was learned with sorrow that one very dear to the Ma¬ 
sonic brotherhood of the metropolis, R. W. James E. Morri¬ 
son, had been stricken by death in the city of Buffalo on 
June 14. He was a man of superior qualities, who won for 
himself a high place in the esteem of his Masonic brethren. 
St. Cecile Lodge was proud to see his name on her honorary 


1887 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


125 


list. Bro. Morrison was but forty-five years old at the time 
of his death. A page in the lodge records was devoted to his 
memory and letters sent to the family and also to Atlantic 
Lodge, No. 178, of which he was a member. 


RETUItN OF R. W. FREDERICK WJDDOWS. 

One brother who felt that for him at least there was per¬ 
fect contentment in no other lodge, however attractive, was 
B. W. Frederick Widdows, who petitioned to be restored to 
full membership in the lodge of his own conception, after 
an absence of six years in Washington, D. C. The esteemed 
Past Master’s request was speedily granted, and on Novem¬ 
ber 15 he journeyed from the Capital for the purpose of again 
consummating his membership in St. Cecile. As the ven¬ 
erable brother took up the pen to affix his name to the roll 
for the second time his eyes filled with tears, and, turning to 
those about him, he said, “ Boys, this is the happiest day 
of my life.” Nobody who knew the old man doubted his 
sincerity. 

For many weeks preparations had been under way for the 
great Masonic Fair in aid of the Asylum Fund. The doors 
were formally opened on Monday afternoon, November 2S, 
and for the next three weeks the Temple was a scene of such 
wholesome excitement and benevolent activity as is seldom 
witnessed. There were booths for the sale of articles every¬ 
where from the ground floor to the topmost, and no visitor 
escaped without yielding up some sort of contribution. 
Notable features, of which there were many, included a 
restaurant, flower booth, daily newspaper, etc. The follow¬ 
ing programme was observed at the opening:— 

Organ—Bro. George W. Morgan, St. Cecile Lodge. 

Entrance Ladies’ Executive Committee. 

Entrance Officers’ Executive Committee. 

Organ—Bro. George W. Morgan. 

Military Band—St. Cecile Lodge, Bro. M. Schlig, Conductor. 


126 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1887 


Entrance Officers of Grand Lodge. 

Prayer—R. W. Robert Collyer, Grand Chaplain. 

Organ—Bro. George W. Morgan. 

Military Band—St. Cecile Lodge. 

Address—R. W. John J. Gorman. 

Transfer of Fair. 

Address—M. W. Frank R. Lawrence. 

Acceptance and Declaration. 

Prayer—Rev. Bro. Floyd E. West. 

“ Hallelujah Chorus,” Bro. George W. Morgan. 

Military Band—St. Cecile Lodge. 

Thus it will be seen that St. Cecile Lodge was among the 
active workers, furnishing music as well as being represented 
by several brethren serving on the Amusement Committee 
and on the Committee on Reception of Goods. Individual 
members of the lodge were constantly assisting in various 
other ways to make the undertaking a success, working in 
any capacity in which they could be useful. Practically 
every Mason in the city was doing likewise, consequently 
there was at no time any scarcity of volunteers. At the 
conclusion of the fair, on December 17, it was found that 
the net receipts were considerably over $75,000, and the 
credit for the success of the venture was cheerfully conceded 
to the Ladies’ Masonic Pair Association, the principal offi¬ 
cers of which were Mrs. Prank R. Lawrence and Mrs. Ed¬ 
ward M. L. Elders. 

At the communication of December 6 business was ab¬ 
breviated and an early adjournment taken in order to wit¬ 
ness the Eastern Star work exemplified by Alpha Chapter, 
Ho. 1. W. Bro. Decker and other members of St. Cecile 
attended the ceremony, which they pronounced highly in¬ 
teresting. 

The brethren turned out in large numbers to attend the 
annual meeting in December. The officers were gratified 
to observe this indication of a growing interest in lodge 
affairs. Reports of officers also indicated a steady, substan¬ 
tial growth in numbers and assets, although there was still 
a matter of $600 owing for dues. The list of expenditures 


1888 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


127 


for the year included almost every conceivable thing for 
which a healthy, progressive lodge could conscientiously spend 
money, but notwithstanding unusually large donations and 
contributions voted from the funds and the increase in neces¬ 
sary expenses, the Treasurer’s report showed a comfortable 
balance on the credit side of the ledger. Bro. Charles H. 
Govan was elected Master, Bro. John E. Morse Senior War¬ 
den and Bro. Raymond R. Minor Junior Warden; Bro. 
Martin Papst was re-elected Treasurer, and Bro. Laurence 
O’Reilly Secretary; the Trustees were W. Bro. Decker, Bros. 
Thomas Nedham and Edward G. Jardine. R. W. Edward 
M. L. Ehlers presided during the election and was invited 
to install the officers. 


1888. 

W. Bro. Charles H. Govan (Proof-reader).—Raised in 
St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, May 21, 1878. Senior Deacon, 
1879-80-82-87; Junior Warden, 1881; Master, 1888; Trus¬ 
tee, 1889. 

It is interesting to note that W. Bro. Govan joined St. Cecile at the 
close of its thirteenth year, and that he became its thirteenth Master when 
it had reached the age of twenty-three. Notwithstanding this portentous 
array of “unlucky numbers,” he has proved anything but a Jonah. He 
was the second newspaper worker to come into the fold of St. Cecile, 
and was the first printer (barring W. Bro. Burnett, who kept a stationery 
store) to preside over St. Cecile Lodge. Good workers were few when 
W. Bro. Govan happened along. His exceptional talent as a speaker was 
quickly recognized, and prompted his appointment as Senior Deacon in 
the first year of his membership. He soon acquired celebrity for the cor¬ 
rectness and impressive character of his work, particularly in the second 
degree, and was frequently invited to officiate in sister lodges, the mere 
announcement of his acceptance being sufficient to fill the room. It is as 
a humorous entertainer, however, that he is best known, and his mimetic 
gifts make him a particularly welcome guest at any gathering of merry¬ 
makers. It cannot be said that W. Bro. Govan gained his spurs without 
earning them. Ten years of faithful service, four of which were spent in 
the arduous position of Senior Deacon, elapsed before he reached the 


128 


ON E THO USA XI) COM M UXICA TIOXS 


east. W. Bro. Govan describes himself as a “ Scotch-Trish Badger,” his 
father having been a Scotchman, his mother an Irish woman, and him¬ 
self being a native of Milwaukee, the chief city of the “ Badger State. 
Left an orphan in 1865, at the age of fourteen, he became the ward of 
the late Judge Arthur MacArthur, of the Supreme Bench in Y\ ashington. 
at one time Lieutenant-Governor of Wisconsin. Thus W . Bro. Govan is 
a foster brother of General MacArthur, who is a son of the eminent 
jurist. W. Bro. Govan’s life has been one of strange vicissitudes. Thrown 
upon his own resources at an early age, he has been by turns a black¬ 
smith’s helper, a cook, a bartender, a boilermaker, a book canvasser, a 
patent right agent, a dock laborer, a negro minstrel, a character come¬ 
dian, a newspaper correspondent, a vaudeville performer, a compositor 
and a proof-reader. He has been for fifteen years a lecturer for the New 
York Board of Education, is a life member of the New York Press Club, 
is founder and president of the Manhattan Branch of the Dickens Fellow¬ 
ship, is a Trustee of Typographical Union No. 6 and was chairman of the 
New York delegation to the I. T. IT. Convention of 1901, and a year later 
was the Republican and Liberal Democratic candidate for the Assembly 
in one of the most populous districts of the metropolis. W. Bro. Govan 
has been for nearly a quarter of a century a most enthusiastic advocate 
of the economic reform known as the Single Tax, the principles of which 
he declares to be identical with those of Freemasonry and the Declaration 
of Independence. The brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God 
can only be realized, he insists, when the nobility of labor is recognized 
as of old, when the equal right to natural opportunities of all who dwell 
on earth is acknowledged, and the full reward of his toil is secured to 
every man. 


Following the custom which had proved so popular in pre¬ 
ceding years, it was resolved to hold a public installation of 
officers, after which an entertainment would be given by 
members of the lodge. The guests were invited to assemble 
in the Commandery Room at two o’clock in the afternoon of 
January 3. The room was tastefully decorated for the occa¬ 
sion and the installation ceremonies were witnessed with the 
greatest interest. After R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers had 
performed the important ceremony of the day, assisted by 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, there was a fine musical and 
literary entertainment contributed by such favorites as Bro. 
Marshall P. Wilder, W. Bro. Charles H. Govan, Bro. George 
Olmi and others. Bro. Robert Recker was present with a 
fine orchestra, which added greatly to the effectiveness of 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1888 . 




1888 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


129 


the programme. In consideration of their efforts Bros. Wil¬ 
der and Becker were the recipients of a special vote of thanks. 
The committee comprised Bros. Bobert Becker, Marshall P. 
Wilder, Michael Schlig, George Olmi and John E. Morse. 

Although Bro. William H. Livingston, who had been 
Junior Warden the previous year, died on February 4, no 
information concerning his death reached the officers of the 
lodge until March 6. A committee was then appointed to 
inquire into the particulars; a page in the records was or¬ 
dered inscribed to his memory and the lodge was draped. It 
had been the expressed wish of the brother that in the event 
of his death the lodge should hold Masonic services over his 
body. 

One of the oldest and most faithful members of the lodge 
was the next brother to be summoned by death. Bro. Na¬ 
thaniel Sawyer, who signed the by-laws May 16, 1865, passed 
away on March 27, aged eighty years. He was playfully 
referred to by the first Master of the lodge as the “ Widdows 7 
Son/ 7 which never failed to amuse the old gentleman very 
much. Bro. Sawyer was a Masonic soldier content to march 
quietly in the ranks, and although for twenty-three years a 
model member, he never accepted office of any kind after 
1865, when he was Junior Deacon. Otherwise he took a 
decided interest in all lodge matters and was a regular at¬ 
tendant at meetings. 

On many occasions during the winter the refreshment 
hour was enlivened with vocal music by such well-known 
professional singers as Bros. W. A. De Watteville, H. W. 
Boe, George Olmi and others, a feature which added greatly 
to the interest of the meetings. 

One of the most talented men who ever mingled with the 
brethren of St. Cecile Lodge was W. Bro. William Fisk 
Sherwin, fifth Master of the lodge. He died at his residence 
in Boston on April 14, 1888, aged sixty-two. Intelligence of 
his death reached the lodge several weeks later. A committee 
was then appointed to draft resolutions expressing the sorrow 


130 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1888 

felt by the brethren and a page in the records was set apart 
to his memory. As long as Bro. Sherwin resided in the 
metropolis he was always a regular attendant at lodge meet¬ 
ings and took an interest in all Masonic matters. For 
several years prior to his death he resided in Boston, 
where he enjoyed a high reputation. His son, a clergyman, 
is (1906) Chaplain of Republican Lodge, Greenfield, Mass. 


SINGULAR FACTS CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP. 

Certainly there are few Masonic lodges which receive mem¬ 
bers from so many distant and out-of-the-way places as does 
St. Cecile. From every quarter of the globe the membership 
is gathered. Many dimits are received from foreign juris¬ 
dictions, and after searching investigation, satisfactorily dis¬ 
posed of. Bro. Jefferson De Angelis, a popular actor, a na¬ 
tive of California, on May 29 presented a dimit issued to 
him by Carnarrow Lodge, No. 1,735, of Cape Town, South 
Africa, which was duly accepted and the brother elected to 
membership. At the same time Bro. Felix Morris, a well- 
known actor, born in England, presented a dimit from Elgin 
Lodge, of Montreal, and was also elected to membership. 
Numerous brethren initiated at various times in the lodge 
have had their nativity in Australia, South America, Russia, 
India, Norway, New South Wales and other far-away lands, 
and the mysterious ways of Providence are such that in 1874 
one brother was born under the Stars and Stripes on shipboard 
off the coast of Portugal, near a point where twenty years 
previously another brother of the lodge had suffered ship¬ 
wreck, his family losing all but their lives. 

Preparations having been made as usual to assist at the 
opening of the Grand Lodge, June 5, members of St. Cecile 
provided a splendid musical programme which was greatly 
•enjoyed by the assemblage. After the opening ceremonies 


188S] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


131 


of the Grand Lodge the members of St. Cecile returned to 
the Tuscan Room and resumed labor. 

By vote of the lodge, July 3, it was resolved to revise the 
by-laws, which had not been overhauled since 1872. Many 
minor alterations were demanded to meet changed conditions. 
The committee consisted of Bros. John E. Morse, Charles H. 
Govan, Robert Recker, Julius Kahn and Laurence O’Reilly. 
The committee made its report in October, and at the meet¬ 
ing of October 16 the recommendations were considered 
seriatum and the by-laws, as amended, were adopted. 

During the summer, while the lodge rested from labor, 
M. W. Robert Morris, P. G. M., of Kentucky, died at his 
home in La Grange, Ky. Bro. “ Bob ” Morris, popularly 
known as the “ Poet Laureate of Masonry,” was a stanch 
friend of St. Cecile Lodge, to which he dedicated several 
poems, one of which has been incorporated in these pages. 
Upon resuming labor in September, W. Bro. Charles H. 
Govan referred to the death of M. W. Bro. Morris and pro¬ 
nounced a brief eulogy on the genius and character of the 
departed bard. 

The unveiling of the monument erected by the Masons 
to the memory of R. W. James E. Morrison, an honorary 
member of St. Cecile Lodge, took place in Woodlawn Ceme¬ 
tery on Saturday, October 6. By special request St. Cecile 
Lodge had charge of the music. Bro. Michael Schlig directed 
the orchestra, and singers from the lodge contributed greatly 
to the interesting character of the ceremony. The exercises 
were as follows: 


Orchestra—St. Cecile Lodge, Conductor, Bro. Michael Schlig. 
Invocation—R. W. Robert Collyer, D.D. 

Ode—By W. Bro. J. A. Kelly, Concord Lodge. 

Report of Executive Committee. 

Unveiling of Monument. 

Music—“ Rest, Spirit, Rest.” 

“ Integer Vitae ”—Double Quartet. 

Address—M. E. William Sherer, Grand High Priest, Grand 
Chapter, R. A. M., State of New York. 


132 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1889 


Solo—“ The Lost Chord,” by Bro. George Olrai, St. Cecile Lodge. 

Oration—M. W. Frank R. Lawrence, Grand Master, F. & A. M., 
State of New York. 

“ The Consecrated Grave,” words by M. W. Robert Morris. 

Doxology—“ Old Hundred.” 

Benediction—Rev. Bro. George R. Vandewater, D.D. 

At the conclusion of these impressive ceremonies many 
remained to examine and admire the beautiful shaft, which 
is embellished with appropriate Masonic emblems. 

It developed from reading of reports at the annual meet¬ 
ing that there had been during the year a gain of twenty- 
three in Imembership, three were lost by death, one had with¬ 
drawn and eighteen had been dropped for non-payment of 
dues, leaving a net gain of one member, and making the 
number of those in good standing 150. W. Bro. Charles H. 
Govan was strongly urged to stand for re-election, but de¬ 
clined on account of professional engagements. Bro. John 
E. Morse was thereupon elected Master, Bro. Michael Schlig 
Senior Warden, Bro. George Olmi Junior Warden, Bro. Mar¬ 
tin Papst Treasurer and Bro. Laurence O’Reilly Secretary. 
R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was present and presided during 
the election. It was resolved to install the officers publicly 
in January and a committee was appointed to provide talent 
for an entertainment to follow the installation ceremony. 

1889. 

W. Bro. John E. Morse (Printer).—Raised in Lodge 
of Israel, London, England, in 1870. Affiliated with St. 
Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, May 6, 1884. Junior Warden, 1886; 
Senior Warden, 1887-88; Master, 1889; Chaplain, 1891; 
Historian, 1896-97. 

W. Bro. John E. Morse was born in London, England, April 25, 1833. 
In youth he began active life as an apprentice to a printer. After learn¬ 
ing the details of his trade Bro. Morse sailed for America, arriving in 
New York in 1851. He soon secured a position on the New York 
“ Herald,” and went from there to the “ Times,” where he spent many 


1889 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


133 


years. In 1860, while employed in the composing room of the latter 
paper, he had the pleasure of obtaining a cup of coffee for the Hon. Abra¬ 
ham Lincoln, who, with the Hon. William H. Seward, had called to see 
Mr. Henry J. Raymond in regard to certain important political matters. 
Lincoln was then a candidate for the Presidency and chatted affably 
with Bro. Morse, who readily promised to support the ticket. He 
treasures this recollection of the martyred President as one of the bright¬ 
est experiences of his life. W. Bro. Morse is a stalwart Mason, and his 
chief regret is that illness has prevented his attendance at lodge meetings 
during recent years. 

However brethren may differ as to their propriety, public 
installations have always proved interesting to the uninitiated 
friends of the lodge, as has been manifested by the eagerness 
to secure invitations and by the uniformly large attendance. 
The function of January 15 was no exception to the rule, 
and seats in the Commandery Room were quickly filled with 
ladies invited to witness the ceremony. The room was hand¬ 
somely. decorated and the fair guests entered to the strains 
of popular airs by a large orchestra under direction of Bro. 
Robert Recker. R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers acted as Grand 
Master, assisted by W. Bro. John H. Allen as Grand Marshal. 
All the officers were installed except the Treasurer, Bro. 
Martin Papst, reported ill, who was inducted by proxy. The 
ceremony w r as followed by an entertainment in which the 
contributing artists were W. Bros. Charles H. Govan and 
Theodore Jacoby, Bros. Marshall P. Wilder, George W. Mor¬ 
gan, W. A. Sander, Joseph Laendner, Michael Schlig, John 
G. Pfeiffer, Franz Hess, Carl E. Sohst and others. . 

It was learned with much regret that Bro. Theodore Cays 
had been afflicted with a serious affection of the eyes, by 
which his sight was impaired. The disease threatened to 
cause total blindness. 

A letter of sympathy was also sent to Miss Kate Claxton, 
expressing a hope of early recovery from an attack of illness. 

Almost the first duty which the new officers were called 
upon to perform was a sad one. It was to read the service 
for the dead for the recently elected Treasurer of the lodge, 


134 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1889 


Bro. Martin Papst, who died January 16, after a protracted 
illness. The lodge was summoned and met at the residence, 
where Masonic services were conducted by the officers of the 
lodge, after which Bro. Horatio C. King, who had known 
Bro. Papst for many years, delivered a short eulogy. There 
was no instrumental music, owing to the serious illness of 
Mrs. Papst, but members of the Aschenbroedel Verein pro¬ 
vided vocal music. Bro. Papst affiliated in 1883 from Ady¬ 
tum Lodge, Ho. 640, and upon the death of Bro. Henry 
Tissington was elected Treasurer of the lodge. A peculiarly 
sad feature of his death was the fact that his wife never 
recovered from the shock and survived him but a few days. 
At the meeting of January 29 the lodge elected Bro. Fran¬ 
cesco Ramacciotto to fill the unexpired term as Treasurer. 

GREAT OCCASION FOR THANKSGIVING. 

Joyful tidings were received in March from M. W. Frank 
R. Lawrence, Grand Master. The great work of freeing the 
Temple from debt, begun October 21, 1885, had been com¬ 
pleted and the last dollar of indebtedness paid. It was an 
occasion well worthy of congratulation. That proper expres¬ 
sion might be given the feeling of gratitude it was decided 
that Wednesday, April 24, should be set apart as a day of 
thanksgiving and rejoicing. On that day members of the va¬ 
rious lodges meeting in the Tuscan Room gathered there in 
force and the room was soon full. The lodges participating, 
in addition to St. Cecile, were Lafayette, Ho. 64; Silentia,Xo. 
198; Hew York, Ho. 330; Americus, Ho. 535; Livingston, 
Ho. 657, and Ancient, Ho. 724. The assemblage was called 
to order at eight o’clock in the evening, and by request of the 
Grand Master promptly at a quarter past eight the brethren 
arose and united in singing “ Old Hundred.” In every 
room of the Temple and in lodge rooms all over the State 
brethren were at that moment similarly engaged. It was 
a thought to inspire all. The address of M. W. Frank R. 


1889] OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 135 

Lawrence, Grand Master, was then read by W. Bro. John E. 
Morse, of St. Cecile. The remainder of the evening was 
given over to festivity. Bros. Julius Kahn and George S. 
Weeks, Jr., sang solos; Bro. James T. Donovan recited a 
number of selections; W. Bro. Anderson and Bro. Hutchin¬ 
son, of Hew York Lodge, recited; Bro. E. P. Chase sang 
songs; Bro. Williams played a trombone solo; Bro. Endries, 
of Livingston Lodge, gave a humorous reading; Bro. Mann 
played a piano solo; Bro. W. A. De Wattville sang several 
songs; Bro. Johnson, of Lafayette Lodge, and many others 
contributed to the enjoyment of the occasion. About eleven 
o’clock all adjourned to the restaurant of Bro. Christian 
Jauss, in Sixth Avenue,- where a jolly banquet was served. 

The officers of the lodge appeared with new aprons and 
staves on June 4, and after opening the lodge in full form, 
adjourned to the Grand Lodge Boom, where a fine musical 
programme was rendered at the opening of the Grand Lodge. 
The members of the lodge then returned to the Tuscan Room, 
where labor was resumed. R. W. Frederick Widdows was 
present and assisted in the work of the third degree. By 
vote of the lodge $50 was donated to the relief fund for the 
sufferers by the Johnstown flood. The affairs of the deceased 
Treasurer having been found in a somewhat tangled condition, 
were satisfactorily straightend out by the Trustees. 

The official visit of R. W. Thomas Moore, District Deputy 
of the Seventh, on October 29 attracted a large number of 
visitors, among whom were R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
R. W. Robertson and many others. The distinguished visi¬ 
tors were received with due honor, and the remarks of the 
District Deputy were received with applause. As there was 
no degree work the brethren were entertained with music, 
song and story. Bro. George W. Morgan played classical 
selections on the piano, R. W. Thomas Moore sang, Bro. 
Charles H. Govan related humorous stories, Bro. Robert Ful- 
ford again gave “ Othello’s Address,” and thus a pleasant 
hour was quickly passed. 


136 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1889 


At the annual meeting in December 157 members were re¬ 
ported in good standing, the amount in the treasury was 
$891.55, and the paraphernalia was new and in good condi¬ 
tion. R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers presided during the elec¬ 
tion. Bro. Michael Schlig was elected Master, Bro. William 
H. Donogh Senior Warden, and Bro. Robert Recker Junior 
Warden. Bro. Joseph L. Henning was elected Treasurer, 
and Bro. Harry W. Roe was chosen Secretary in place of 
Bro. Laurence O’Reilly, whose duties as secretary of the 
Musical Union, an organization of many members, required 
all his time. A special vote of thanks to the retiring Sec¬ 
retary was passed by the lodge. As in preceding years, a 
public installation of officers was decided upon and a com¬ 
mittee appointed to arrange the details. 


And so closed the history of another ten years of the lodge’s 
existence. The decade had been one of severe trial. Many 
times the treasury had been emptied, and on more than one 
occasion had there been a bare quorum present at lodge meet¬ 
ings. But the little band of faithful workers never entirely 
lost heart, although there had been a time when, with 
one exception, there had not been a degree conferred upon a 
St. Cecile candidate during a period of twenty months! 
However, it was noticed with intense satisfaction that the 
tide had turned; that once again the lodge was moving onward 
and upward. Innovations introduced were the sending out 
of printed invitations for the various lodge functions, such 
as public installations, and another was the introduction of 
an entire orchestra into the lodge room, a feature which has 
given no end of pleasure to members and visitors alike. 
Vocal and instrumental music, of course, had always been 
a leading characteristic of the lodge, and its usually fine ren¬ 
dition of the ceremonies was famous. The complete orchestra 
seemed to fill the last desideratum. 



1890 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


137 


IN THE NINETIES. 


Though cheerfulness and I have long been strangers 
Harmonious sounds are still delightful to me, 

There’s sure no passion in the human soul 
But finds its food in music.— Lillo. 

1890. 

W. Beo. Michael Schlig (Musician).—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568, January 19, 1875. Senior Master 
of Ceremonies, 1876-77-78-79; Junior Master of Ceremonies, 
1880; Junior Deacon, 1881-82; Junior Warden, 1883-85; 
Senior Warden, 1886-89; Master, 1890; Marshal, 1891-92. 
Died February 23, 1897. 

This well-beloved brother was born at Aldernach, Germany, September 
29, 1849. After pursuing the study of music for several years in his 
native land, he emigrated to the United States, where he at once secured 
a position as violin player in one of the theatre orchestras. He was an 
open-hearted man who made friends on all sides. W. Bro. Schlig was 
a very jovial companion, who was never so happy as when in musical 
surroundings. Naturally he became a member of the Music Verein, the 
Aschenbroedel Verein, the Musical Protective Union, etc. W. Bro. Schlig 
was orchestra leader for several seasons “ on the road ” with the W. J. 
Florence company, later with Rosina Yokes, and finally became leader at 
Koster & Bial’s, where he remained for a number of years. He was very 
active in Masonry and owing to his great popularity was the means of 
bringing to St. Cecile a large number of musicians. Never was there a 
more willing and faithful worker in the lodge than W. Bro. Schlig, who 
was always a willing volunteer for any work, no matter how inconspicu¬ 
ous. He provided an orchestra for lodge functions upon numerous oc¬ 
casions, and often played with others at lodge meetings for the enjoyment 
of the brethren. His health began to fail in 1896, and he died the follow¬ 
ing year. The funeral cortege was preceded by a band of one hundred 
picked musicians who volunteered for the occasion. 



138 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1890 


There were wide differences noticed in the condition of 
affairs in the lodge at the beginning of the nineties as com¬ 
pared with those of 1880. There were nearly twice as many 
members in good standing and there was four times as much 
money in the treasury. But better than these, im¬ 
portant as they are to any organization’s success, was the 
earnest interest manifested in lodge affairs by the members. 
Attendance at all meetings showed a steady increase. 

In view of the demand for invitations to the installation 
ceremony it was deemed wise to secure the Grand Lodge 
Room for the occasion. On the 7 th of January members and 
friends turned out in force to attend the function and soon 
every seat in the large hall was occupied. The brethren 
were early on hand and vied with each other in looking after 
the comfort of the guests. R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers called 
the assemblage to order, and after a few brief remarks pro¬ 
ceeded to install the officers, being assisted by W. Bro. Myron 
A. Decker as Grand Marshal. This important ceremony was 
followed by an entertainment which evoked liberal applause. 
Music was furnished by the Casino Orchestra, under the 
direction of Bro. Gustav Kerker. There were vocal solos by 
Miss Louise Gerard, Bros. H. W. Roe and Albert Gerard 
Thiers, the Cecilian Quartet rendered a number of pleasing 
selections, Miss Jennie O’Neill Potter recited “ How Sal¬ 
vator Won,” and W. Bro. Charles H. Govan gave several 
excellent imitations. Bro. Horatio C. King told some brand 
new funny stories, Bro. Theodore Hoch played cornet solos,, 
and there were many other interesting and amusing com 
tributions by the artists on the bill. A feature not men¬ 
tioned on the programme, but which aroused enthusiastic 
applause, was the presentation of a beautiful basket of flowers 
to Mrs. Edward M. L. Ehlers, with the compliments of St. 
Cecile Lodge. 

It was decided to observe the twenty-fifth anniversary of 
the lodge in a fitting manner, and a committee was appointed 
Eebruary 4 to arrange the details. 


1890] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


139 


During the winter the lodge was visited several times by 
W. Bro. William B. Smith, of William B. Schneider Lodge, 
of Philadelphia, accompanied by members of lodges in that 
city. These occasions were enlivened by witty speeches by 
Bro. Smith and W. Bro. C. G. Cadwallader, of Mozart Lodge. 
The visitors were entertained with music by Bros. George E. 
Fuller, Nathan Mann and H. W. Roe, and much amusement 
was provided by W. Bros. Allen, Govan, and Bro. Louis 
Mann, the popular fun maker. The visitors complimented 
the lodge upon the superb degree work. 

Bro. William Henry Roe, the sweet singer, was made a 
Mason in St. Cecile Lodge, January 6, 1880. He became Sec¬ 
retary of the lodge in 1890, and from that time to the pres¬ 
ent (1907) has not been absent from his desk half a dozen 
times. He has earned the reputation of being the most effi¬ 
cient lodge secretary in the Temple, by his ability and energy. 
As he also officiates in a similar capacity for Corinthian 
Chapter and Ivanhoe Commandery, both meeting in the 
afternoon, Bro. Roe enjoys the unique distinction of being 
the only “ matinee ” Secretary in the city. He was born in 
Nottingham, England, in 1849, near old Sherwood Forest, 
so familiar to admirers of Robin Hood and his merrie men. 
As he possessed a baritone of magnificent volume he became 
a pupil of Clement Tetedoux, of the Grand Opera in Paris, 
who took a great pride in the development of his promising 
pupil. Eventually Bro. Roe came to America, and from that 
time has been well known to theatre-goers. In 1872 he was 
baritone with Pauline Lucca and lima de Murska; in 1873, 
baritone soloist with Simmons & Slocum’s Minstrels, also 
filling engagements with Haverly’s great company of singers. 
Bro. Roe was the baritone of the unequalled “ California 
Quartet,” which attained much celebrity in the early seven¬ 
ties. He was for eight years vocal director and stage man¬ 
ager for Mr. Haverly, during the European tour of the 
noted Haverly’s Minstrels. He was later with Birch 


140 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


T1890 


and Backus, and in 1885 with the Thompson Opera Com¬ 
pany, singing leading roles. He has also filled engagements 
with Neil Burgess, Modjeska, Jefferson, Marlowe, “ Old 
Homestead,” Dixey’s “ Adonis,” etc. As a church soloist 
of rare power Bro. Roe is equally famous. He was solo bass 
at the Wood Street Presbyterian Church, in Pittsburg, Pa., 
and two years soloist at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the 
same city, afterward filling engagements in the Church of 
St. John the Evangelist, New York; Sinai Temple (syna¬ 
gogue), Chicago, etc. Eor the last nineteen years Bro. Roe 
has been solo bass singer at the Church of the Ascension, 
Fifth Avenue, New York, where everything musical must be 
of the best. Bro. Roe is deservedly popular with all classes 
for his affability and unquestioned integrity. 


CELEBRATING THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 

Somewhat extensive preparation had been made for cele¬ 
brating the twenty-fifth anniversary, and June 17 was the 
day set apart for the jubilee. The Commandery Room was 
specially decorated for the occasion and when at half-past one 
in the afternoon the doors were opened handsomely gowned 
ladies, with bright eyes and smiling faces, soon took posses¬ 
sion of all available space. W. Bro. Michael Schlig made 
the opening address and welcomed the visitors. The Master 
then introduced R. W. Frederick Widdows, the founder of 
the lodge, who gave a brief sketch of the early days, filled 
with interesting reminiscence. Bro. George W. Morgan, an¬ 
other charter member, played an overture on the organ in 
magnificent style and the “ County Fair Quartet ” sang sev¬ 
eral old-time melodies, followed by songs by Bros. Frederick 
Solomon and Albert Gerard Thiers. There were violin solos 
by W. Bro. Theodore Jacoby and Master Allen and a mu¬ 
sical act contributed by the Brothers Weston. The hit of 
the day was made by W. Bro. Charles H. Go van, who deliv- 


1890] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


141 


ered a sketch entitled “ Looking Backward,'’ prepared for 
the occasion, and in which he depicted himself as an octo¬ 
genarian making an address on the occasion of the lodge’s 
seventy-fifth anniversary. The following extract from this 
remarkably prophetic forecast will be read with unusual in¬ 
terest by the thoughtful, in view of its partial fulfillment: 

I will ask you to imagine that the seventy-fifth anniversary has ar¬ 
rived, and that an old gentleman—not a “ lean and slippered pantaloon,” 
but a tolerably well-preserved old chap—by the name of Govan is brought 
forward and introduced as the oldest living past master of St. Cecile 
Lodge. 1 will pull myself together and say something in this strain : 

“ Brethren : I have just arrived from the great metropolis—Chicago— 
where I have been making a visit to some of my grandchildren and great¬ 
grandchildren, who are settled there. Fifty years ago it took me nearly 
a third of the time to reach this spot from the eastern section (then 
called Brooklyn) it took to-day to come from Chicago, and as I overlooked 
this beautiful city from the top of the tunnel tower, at the western end 
of this street, before descending the chute, and recalled the smoke-en¬ 
shrouded desert of brick and mortar known as New York in the past, I 
rejoiced that I had been spared to see this happy time. I can appreciate 
the change as you young men cannot. You have never known what it 
was to live in a city with so few parks that the only playground for most 
children was the streets; where, instead of the beautiful elevated side¬ 
walks, with all the retail stores on the same level, with roadways under¬ 
neath, and the ground floors of the business district given up to wholesale 
traffic, horses, carriages, carts, and pedestrians, bales, barrels and boxes 
were all jumbled together on the dusty ground, and you had to risk your 
life at every crossing; where, instead of the silent electric motor, which 
takes you wherever you want to go at the rate of five miles a minute, you 
had to depend on a horrible, nerve-wearing arrangement on stilts, called 
an elevated railroad, which roared like a leviathan while it crept like 
a snail, and on which you shivered in winter and stewed in summer. 

“ This is now a city of homes, but in my young days it was largely 
a city of hovels. Since the government first took the transportation 
business out of the hands of rascally corporations it has gradually become 
possible for every workingman to sit under his own roof-tree, for it now 
costs no more either in time or money to ride twenty miles than it 
formerly did to ride one mile, and the portions of Westchester, Long 
Island and East Jersey lying within a radius of twenty miles from this 
spot, which were once solitary and desert-like, now blossom like the 
rose. In my early days hundreds of thousands of strong men tramped 
the country looking vainly for somebody to hire them. I have seen 
women picking up rags and paltry odds and ends in the street for a 


142 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1890 


livelihood. I have seen little children barefooted on November nights 
selling papers or begging pennies. 1 have seen swarms of them at work 
in dingy factories when they ought to have been at play. I have seen 
sick men at work, when they ought to have been in bed, because they 
could not afford to stop. All these evils were rife in my time, because 
of a system of taxation which choked production at the fountain head 
and permitted a few idlers to grow rich at the expense of their toiling 
brethren. The working and business day was gradually shortened from 
ten or twelve hours to six—from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.—because every labor- 
saving invention, instead of serving to still further enrich the land 
owners, went to lighten the burden of life for all mankind. 

“ St. Cec-ile, as you all know, was once an afternoon lodge. Now the 
only difference between this and other lodges is that we meet two hours 
later—at 9 in the evening instead of at 7. Theatrical and musical per¬ 
formances being now given between the hours of 5.30 and 8.30, actors 
and musicians are enabled to attend lodge in the evening and meet with 
their brethren in other walks of life. The ladies are no longer obliged 
to wear themselves out and spoil their beautiful complexions over cooking- 
stoves and wash-tubs, or to roughen their fingers with ashes, clinkers 
and caustic soda washing powders, or to burn themselves up with kero¬ 
sene oil; for all laundering is now done as if by magic at the public 
laundries, hygienic knowledge has become so widespread and the race has 
so gained in vigor that raw food has largely taken the place of cooked, 
and tea and coffee are no longer a daily necessity ; every house has its 
own electric light plant and its own ice machine; manufacturing and 
culinary operations are now conducted by means of water gas, which is 
far cheaper than coal used to be, and a roaring fire is now started by 
simply turning a gas-cock, which at once turns on the gas and ignites it. 
The whiskey business has ceased to be profitable ; the old prohibition party 
found out long ago that the chief cause of intemperance was poverty—• 
that men drank to forget their misery—but when poverty was abolished 
there were comparatively few troubles left to be drowned in the flowing 
bowl. Drunkenness is now considered a disgrace, because there is no 
excuse for it. Inventions have not proved an unmixed blessing, however, 
for us Masons, for since the wonderful improvements in flying machines 
we are obliged, during our meetings, to have a tiler at every window. 

“ The beautiful and spacious parks and commodious dwellings which 
distinguish the east central quarter of this island occupy ground once the 
site of wretched tenement houses, where neither decency nor comfort 
was possible and where children died like murrain-smitten sheep. The 
struggle for existence is no longer the desperate battle it once was, in 
which men grew prematurely old and sank into the grave before their 
time; business and professional jealousies no longer array men against 
each other; standing armies, so long a standing menace to the peace of 
nations, have been disbanded to engage in peaceful pursuits, and the lesson 
<of universal brotherhood set for mankind one hundred and fifty years ago 


1890] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


143 


by Bro. Robert Burns has been so well learned that, really, my brethren, 1 
do not see that there is much further use for our order, except to preserve 
well loved traditions and to promote sociability.” 

A splendid vocal rendition of “ I Fear No Foe in Shining 
Armor,” by Bro. H. W. Roe, provoked great applause, and 
Bro. George Olmi sang several operatic airs with fine ex¬ 
pression. A dainty collation brought the afternoon’s enjoy¬ 
ment to a close. There was quite a gathering of old members 
present, including the founder of the lodge and two other 
signers of the original petition. The occasion may be con¬ 
sidered the last grand rally of veterans of 18G5, nearly all of 
whom have since passed away. 

During the summer the brethren were twice called upon to 
pay the last tribute to the dead. Bro. George Hildebrand, 
a musician, who was initiated in the early part of 1871, died 
August 25. The lodge met in the Ionic Room on August 28 
and proceeded to the residence, where services were held in 
the presence of the friends and relatives of the deceased 
brother, after which the body was accompanied to the ceme¬ 
tery by a committee from the lodge. 

The funeral of Bro. Benjamin A. Baker, a well-known 
theatrical man, was held September 10 in the “ Little Church 
Around the Corner,” the Rev. Dr. George Houghton offi¬ 
ciating. St. Cecile Lodge met in the Tuscan Room at ten 
o’clock in the morning, and marched in funeral procession to 
the church, where a large number of friends were gathered. 
After the religious service the remains were conveyed to 
Greenwood Cemetery, where W. Bro. Michael Schlig, assisted 
by a number of brethren, held Masonic services. Bro. Baker 
was an old member of the lodge, having joined in May, 1866, 
but, owing to frequent absences from the city, had not been 
a very regular attendant at lodge meetings. 

There were many gratifying evidences of prosperity in 
the lodge during the year, and at the close it was discovered 
that twenty-three new names had been added to the roll. 
The financial report was very satisfactory, and about $700 


144 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1891 


was added to the funds, making a total of $1,512.69. Many 
new faces were seen at lodge meetings, which showed in¬ 
creased attendance. Upon hearing these encouraging reports 
the brethren were more than usually generous when the mat¬ 
ter of Yuletide donations came before them for action. 
R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers occupied the chair while bal¬ 
loting for officers took place, and made a witty address which 
greatly pleased the brethren. Bro. William H. Donogh was 
elected Master, Bro. Robert Recker Senior Warden, and Bro. 
Sydney Herbert Junior Warden. It was resolved to follow 
the custom of previous years and publicly install the officers 
at an early date, the ceremony to be followed by an enter¬ 
tainment. 


1891. 

W. Bro. William Hamilton Donogh (Printer).— 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, March 29, 1887. 
Senior Deacon, 1889; Senior Warden, 1890; Master, 1891. 
Died in Hew York City, April 9, 1907. 

W. Bro. Donogli was a well-known printer and proof-reader, a native 
of Toronto, Canada. He was for several years foreman of the composing 
room of the New York “ Times.” Later he engaged as a proof-reader on 
prominent morning newspapers. 

The growing interest in lodge affairs was strikingly shown 
by the increased attendance at the public functions. Hone 
but the largest hall would now accommodate the great throngs 
which annually gathered to witness the installation of St. 
Cecile’s officers and the most conspicuous of the daily news¬ 
papers had accounts of the event. The installation took 
place in the Grand Lodge Room bn January 6, and the splen¬ 
did audience which gathered that day awakened feelings of 
pride in the breast of every member. The ceremonies were 
very impressive, R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers presiding, and 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker assisting as Grand Marshal. 




GRAND SECRETARY 































1891] 


OF ST. CEC1LE LODGE. 


145 


Among those present was R. W. Frederick Widdows, 
blaster of the lodge in 1865, who viewed the proceedings 
with the greatest delight. A pleasing feature of the day 
was the presentation to the retiring Master, W. Bro. 
Michael Schlig, of a massive basket of roses, with the com¬ 
pliments of the lodge. An especially fine entertainment was 
then given as follows: 


PROGRAMME. 


1. “ Manhattan March ”.•. . . George W. Morgan 

Organ and Orchestra. 

Bro. Robert Recker, Conductor. 

2. Installation of Officers. 

3. Octette for Brass Instruments, “ Largo ”.Handel 

Dr. Win. Volckmar, W. Bro. Schlig, Bros. J. G. Pfeiffer, 

Wm. Rowell, H. G. Spargur, G. E. Fuller, F. W. 

Dierks and M. Link. 

4. Song, “ In Sweet September ”.Hope Temple 

Bro. Harry Pepper, 

Accompanied by Bro. W. E. Fredericks. 

5. Quartette (Selected) — 

1st tenor, George Lyding; 2d tenor, John B. Macauley ; 

1st bass, Woolf D. Marks; 2d bass, Henry W. Roe. 

6. Flute Solo (Selected) — 

W. Bro. Allan Latham. 


7. “ The Obituary Poet ”— 

W. Bro. Charles H. Govan. 


8. Song— 


Mrs. Bella Thomas-Nichols. 


9. Mr. Burr-Mackintosh in His Special Drawing-room Entertainment. 

10. Violin Solo, “ Walther’s Prize Song,” from the “ Meister- 

singer ”.Wagner 

Master Willie Rowell. 

Accompanied by Bro. W. E. Fredericks, 

11. A Few Moments with Bro. Jefferson De Angelis. 

12. Song, “ The Palms ”.Faure 

Mr. Harry Foresman, 

(Baritone of the Schumann Quartette) 

With organ accompaniment. 


13. Organ Solo 


“ By the Sad Sea Waves ” (Varied), 
Bro. George W. Morgan. 


Benedict’s Ballad 








146 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1891 


14. Bro. Marshall P. Wilder. 

15. Recitation— 

Miss Jennie O’Neil Potter. 

16. Song, “ Many a Mile Away.” 

Mr. John B. Macauley. 

17. The Weston Brothers, in Their Specialties. 

18. Recitative and Ballad, “ A Father’s Love ”.Wallace 

Bro. Henry W. Roe. 

19. A Few Remarks by Bro. Horatio C. King. 

20. Overture by Bro. Recker’s Harmonists. 

Instrumental music was contributed by a large orchestra, 
over which Bro. Robert Recker wielded the baton. W. Bro. 
John E. Morse was chairman of the committee. 

Just twenty-one years after the laying of the corner-stone 
of the Temple the lodge was invited to participate in a sim¬ 
ilar ceremony at Utica. The occasion was the laying of the 
corner-stone of the Masonic Asylum on May 21. St. Cecile 
as an organized body did not participate, but individual mem¬ 
bers of the lodge attended and marched in the great parade, 
which numbered over 7,000 Masons, from all parts of the 
State. R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was marshal of the day. 
The ceremonies were witnessed by one of the greatest gather¬ 
ings ever seen in that city. 

It was learned with sorrow that Mrs. Martha Widdows, 
wife of the estimable founder of St. Cecile Lodge, had died 
in the city of Washington on June 2. The Secretary was 
requested to address a letter to R. W. Bro. Widdows express¬ 
ing the sympathy of the lodge in his hour of bereavement. 

One of the most faithful members the lodge ever had was 
Bro. Francesco Ramacciotti, who died June 13. The lodge 
met in a hall corner of Third Avenue and Eighty-sixth Street, 
on June 15, at half-past seven in the evening, and marched 
to the residence, where impressive services were conducted 
by W. Bro. Donogh. There was a large attendance. Bro. 
Ramacciotti joined the lodge in 1871 and from the first took 
an enthusiastic interest in everything pertaining to the wel¬ 
fare of the lodge. He filled many minor positions, perform* 



18911 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


147 


in every duty with conscientious fidelity, and upon the death 
of Bro. Papst was selected by the lodge as Treasurer to fill 
the unexpired term. 

An unpleasant incident occurred during the early part of 
June, which caused considerable feeling in the lodge. A 
certain brother who had been initiated in the first degree 
was challenged upon appearing for the second. Charges were 
thereupon preferred against the candidate, and after due trial 
he was declared guilty. Upon the recommendation of the 
committee trying the case the brother was detached from 
membership by a unanimous vote. As this was the lodge’s 
first experience of the kind it made a profound impression 
upon the members. 

Among the distinguished brethren visiting from a foreign 
jurisdiction in this year was M. W. J. Ross Robertson, Grand 
Master of Canada, who was welcomed in St. Cecile Lodge 
by the Master on November 21. Bro. Robertson delivered 
an intensely interesting address upon the purposes and work 
of the Masonic Relief Association, and spoke instructively 
upon the condition of Masonic charitable work in general 
throughout the United States and Canada. He also com¬ 
plimented the lodge upon the efficiency of its officers, particu¬ 
larly mentioning the splendid work of Bro. John F. Dobbs, 
Senior Deacon. 

Aside from the official visit of the District Deputy in 
November there is nothing of unusual importance to record 
during the remainder of the year. The election of officers 
passed off quietly, Bro. Robert Recker being chosen to wield 
the Master’s gavel as well as the orchestra leader’s baton, Bro. 
John F. Dobbs was chosen Senior Warden, Bro. A. J. Bisnett 
Junior Warden. Bro. Joseph L. Henning, Treasurer, and 
Bro. “ Harry ” W. Roe, Secretary, were unanimously re¬ 
elected for their third terms. Tuesday^ January 5, was set 
apart for a public installation ceremony and entertainment, 
and a committee was appointed to secure the necessary talent 
for the occasion. 


148 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1892 


1892. 


R. W. Robert Recker (Orchestra Leader).—Raised in 
St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, March 29, 1887. Junior Master 
of Ceremonies, 1889 ; Junior Warden, 1890 ; Senior Warden, 
1891; Master, 1892-93-94; Chaplain, 1895; Treasurer, 1896, 
and annually ever since. In 1896 appointed Grand Steward 
by M. W. John Stewart, Grand Master. 

A presiding officer of unusually imposing appearance is R. AY. Bro. 
Robert Recker, whose six feet of well-proportioned manhood makes him 
a striking figure upon all ceremonial occasions. As Master he soon gained 
a reputation for excellent ritualistic work, and during his very successful 
three years’ term, added materially to the numbers and prestige of the 
lodge. R. AA T . Bro. Recker was born in Indianapolis, Ind., August 10, 
1856, and is a descendant of a soldier of the Grande Armee of Napoleon I. 
At an early age he displayed a talent for music little short of precocity. 
Every moment was devoted to the study of theory and harmony, under 
such well-known musicians as Professor Godhardt, Professor A"ogt and 
Henry B. Beissenberz. Upon starting his professional career R. AA\ Bro. 
Recker obtained a position as first clarinet with the orchestra of the 
Schueller Opera Company. In a short time he obtained a position as 
musical director for the Emerson California Minstrels, leaving this to 
become first clarinetist with Gilmore’s Band, with which he remained four 
years. He then accepted the position of orchestra leader at the London 
Theatre, where he remained until recently, when he became orchestra 
leader of the Alhambra Theatre. There is probably no better known 
musician in the city than R. AA r . Bro. Recker. He easily won the diamond 
studded gold baton offered by a leading metropolitan newspaper for the 
most popular theatre orchestra leader in 1893, in a contest in which there 
were many popular leaders entered. In Masonic circles R. W. Bro. 
Recker is equally well and favorably known. In addition to St. Cecile, 
R. W. Bro. Recker took a great deal of interest in Corinthian Chapter. 
No. 159, and was largely instrumental in having its time of meeting changed 
from night to afternoon. He is a member and past officer of numerous 
Masonic organizations, including Corinthian Chapter, Columbian Com- 
mandery and Mecca Temple, as well as the Scottish Rite bodies of the 
Northern Jurisdiction, Order of Anointed High Priests, etc., but none of 
these can take fi’om him the affection he cherishes for St. Cecile. 

It is safe to say that the great hall of the Grand Lodge in 
the Temple never held a larger or more enthusiastic audience 
than that which filled every nook and corner of that spacious 


1892] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


149 


meeting place on Tuesday afternoon, January 5, 1892. At 
half-past one o’clock even standing room was at a premium. 
Aside from the eminently respectable character of the audi¬ 
ence, which was composed of handsomely gowned ladies and 
their escorts, there was presented by St. Cecile Lodge that 
day for the entertainment of the guests such a remarkable 
programme as is seldom equalled in a Masonic lodge any¬ 
where. The lodge was honored by the presence of the Grand 
Master of Masons in Yew York and members of his staff, 
and there were in attendance as entertainers some of the most 
renowned artists in the world. M. W. William Sherer, Grand 
Master, installed the officers, being assisted by W. Bro. Myron 
A. Decker, of St. Cecile Lodge. The ceremonies of installa¬ 
tion were enlivened by the orchestral music of a splendid 
band, accompanied by Bro. George W. Morgan at the great 
organ. The audience observed the entire proceedings with the 
closest attention. After the formal ceremonies there was a 
buzz of animated expectancy. Surely no Masonic lodge other 
than our own St. Cecile has ever presented such a delectable 
array of high-class artists for the entertainment of its guests 
at a public function as were introduced upon this occasion. 

PROGRAMME. 

Reception to Grand Master and Staff. 

March—“ St. Cecile ”.Bro. George W. Morgan 

Bro. Robert Recker and Orchestra. 

Installation of Officers . . By M. W. William Sherer, Grand Master 

Proclamation . . . . By W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, Grand Marshal 

PROGRAMME OF CONCERT. 


Overture—“ William Tell ”.Rossini 

Bro. George W. Morgan. 

“ Bedouin Love Song ”.Pinsuti 

Bro. Henry W. Roe. 

Violin Solo—“ Souvenir de Moscow ”.Wieniawski 

Miss Maud Powell. 

Songs—(a) “Sunset”.Dudley Buck 

(&) “The Bloom Is on the Rye”.. 


Bro. Albert Gerard Timers. 









150 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1892 


Contralto Solo—(a) “ Serenade ”.Meszkowski 

(6) “Arabian Song”.Max Yogrich 

Miss Alice Mandelick. 

Grand Polonaise.Liszt 

Mr. Frank Lionel Curtis. 

Aria—“ Robert, toi qui j’aime ”.Meyerbeer 

Miss Frank Steel. 

“ The Two Grenadiers ” . -.Schumann 

Dr. Carl Martin. 

Grand Polonaise from “ Mignon ”.Ambroise Thomas 

Miss Ella Werner. 

Aria—“ Salve Dimora ” from “ Faust ”.Gounod 

Signor Italo Campanini. 

Funeral March, B flat minor.Chopin 


Mr. Frank Lionel Curtis. 

Songs— (a) “I Hardly Know” . . ..j. Kjerulf 

(6) “My Heart and Lute”.f 

Miss Louise Gerard. 

“ I’m a Roamer ”.Mendelssohn 

Dr. Carl Martin. 

Overture—“ Zampa ”.Herold 

Bro. George W. Morgan. 

Accompanist, Mr. Max Liebling. 

The Committee of Arrangements was composed of W. Bro. 
John H. Allen, Bros. William M. Thoms and Robert Recker, 
who received thanks and compliments on all sides for the 
success of their plans. An incident which for a time looked 
as though it might cause disaster happened near the close of 
the concert. Some one in the rear of the hall called loudly 
“ Potter, Potter! ” (evidently meaning Miss Jennie O’Neill 
Potter), probably thinking to have her deliver one of her 
popular recitations. At any rate, it was taken for “ Water, 
water,” and some of those in the front became frightened, 
thinking of fire, and started from their seats in alarm. In 
an instant there was a tumult, which happily was quickly 
terminated by W. Bro. John H. Allen, who grasped the situa¬ 
tion instantly and sprang to the front of the stage calling 
upon all to sit down, as there was no fire and no cause for 














18921 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


151 


alarm. Several ladies fainted, but order was quickly re¬ 
stored and the concert concluded without further incident. 

At the meeting of January 19 a letter was received from 
the director of the fair for the benefit of the Actors’ Fund, 
to be held in the Madison Square Garden in May, requesting 
St. Cecile Lodge to open a “ Masonic Booth ” at the fair. 
After full consideration of the proposition it was decided 
to be inexpedient to accept the invitation. 

At the meeting of February 16 the resignation of W. Bro. 
W. H. Donogh as Trustee was accepted and Bro. Laurence 
O’Reilly was selected to fill the unexpired term. 

Among the distinguished visitors who were welcomed to 
the lodge in the month of March was R. W. Bro. Drummond, 
District Deputy of the Second, who assisted in the work 
of the second degree. Afterward, in addressing the lodge, 
he said that the work of the officers equalled the best he had 
ever seen, and that “ were the quality of St. Cecile’s work 
more generally known it would result in a much larger num¬ 
ber of visitors anxious to learn and inwardly digest the Ma¬ 
sonic teachings so perfectly exemplified by the superior work 
of the officers.” 


FUNERAL BENEFITS DISCUSSED BY TIIE LODGE. 

A question having arisen in regard to the expenditures in 
connection with a brother’s funeral, it was ordered by resolu¬ 
tion of the lodge that no more than $75 should be expended 
upon the funeral of any individual, except by formal vote of 
the lodge after full discussion. Well-informed brethren use 
caution in advising members of their families as to just what 
financial assistance may be expected from a Masonic lodge in 
the event of death. Many members are careless about this im¬ 
portant detail, and when the inevitable happens sometimes 
there are serious differences of opinion arising from this 
cause which are likely to bring discredit upon our beloved 


152 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1892 


institution, whereas the fault rests entirely with the thought¬ 
less brother himself. 

Attendance at lodge meetings became so large that it was 
found necessary to obtain the Commandery Room to accom¬ 
modate the great number of brethren who came on third 
degree days. One of these occasions was March 29. On that 
day there were present the usual immense throng, including 
many brethren of high position in the councils of the fra¬ 
ternity. A very pleasing innovation was the singing by a 
quartet composed of Bros. Roe, Crispin, Chase and Crosby. 
This feature added greatly to the effectiveness of the pro¬ 
ceedings. There was also a brass band, composed of ten in¬ 
struments, playing soft music at intervals. This was arranged 
by W. Bro. Michael Schlig, who received numerous compli¬ 
ments upon his success. It was all very delightful. The 
brethren were also entertained by W. Bro. Charles H. Govan 
with “ How Salvator Won/ 7 with orchestral accompaniment, 
under direction of W. Bro. Robert Recker, who wrote the 
music especially for the occasion. Others contributing were 
Bros. Louis Mann, Paul Stanley and William Reed, with 
character imitations and songs. 

“ Blind Harry ” Woods died suddenly at his post in the 
organ loft of one of the rooms in the Temple on April 19. 
He had faithfully attended to the duty of assisting the organ¬ 
ist in St. Cecile Lodge for many years, and was exceedingly 
popular with all. In early life he had been a plasterer by 
.trade, earning good wages, but had his sight destroyed through 
getting lime in his eyes. He was buried with Masonic honors 
in the plot at Cypress Hills, where his last resting place is 
marked by a marble slab upon which are the words “ How I 
See/’ this appropriate inscription having been suggested by 
R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary. 

Early in the spring Bro. George W. Morgan determined 
to try the invigorating climate of the Pacific coast in hope 
«of regaining his health, which had been steadily failing. W. 
Bro. John H. Allen, in behalf of the lodge, accompanied 


1892 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


153 


Bro. Morgan to the train upon his departure, and presented 
him with a handsome bouquet, together with the best wishes 
of the brethren for his recovery. Bro. Morgan undertook an 
extended concert tour, and while in Tacoma, Wash., suddenly 
became seriously ill, and on July 10 he breathed his last. He 
was buried with Masonic honors by the brethren of that dis¬ 
tant city, after communicating with the officers of St. Cecile. 
When the friends who hastened to Tacoma saw the exceed¬ 
ingly beautiful spot in which he was laid they had not the 
resolution to disturb the body. Bro. Morgan was organist 
for the lodge many years, also officiating in a similar capacity 
at Grand Lodge ceremonials. A sketch of his life will be 
found elsewhere in these pages. Bro. E. P. Chase was ap¬ 
pointed to occupy the position of organist for the remainder 
of the year. 


DEDICATION OF THE HOME AT UTICA. 

The dedication of the Masonic Home at Utica was an 
event in which the brethren of the entire State felt a genuine 
interest. The date for the ceremony was October 5. As on 
the occasion of the corner-stone laying, the ceremonies were 
preceded by a large parade, of which R. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers was chief marshal, as he had been at the previous cere¬ 
mony. About 9,000 Master Masons participated in the pa¬ 
rade, of which St. Cecile furnished about thirty. The mem¬ 
bers of St. Cecile had a private car, with a conspicuous banner 
on the outside extending along the side of the car. Bro. 
Harry C. Jacobs, wdio w T as to be Marshal for St. Cecile ip the 
parade, missed the regular train, but hired a locomotive 
which carried him to Utica in time to participate with the 
others. The surprise of the brethren when he made his ap¬ 
pearance may be imagined. It was a commendable stroke of 
enterprise, although expensive to Bro. Jacobs. The dedica¬ 
tory ceremonies were very elaborate. Practically the entire 


154 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1892 


city was out to witness the proceedings, and there were throngs 
of visitors from near and far. 

One of the interesting events which occurred during the 
year should be mentioned. It was learned that upon being 
presented by his wife with a new daughter one enthusiastic 
brother immediately demanded that the little newcomer be 
called “ Cecile,” in honor of the lodge, which was done. 
These tidings being conveyed to the lodge it was ordered that 
the circumstance be entered upon the records. 

Among the frequent visitors of the year who were very 
welcome were W. Bros. Foster, of Neptune Lodge, No. 317 \ 
Captain Albert Maxfield, of Constitution Lodge, No. 241, 
and W. Bro. Charles Hotmer, of Copestone. These brethren 
were great aids to the Master and were justly popular with 
all the brethren. 

About as odd a gift as a lodge ever received came from 
Bro. Laurence O’Keilly, who presented the lodge with a deed 
for a grave in the Cemetery of the Evergreens, with the 
prayer that it might be many a long day before it was found 
necessary to use it for any member of the lodge. 

Many expressions of sympathy were sent to W. Bro. Myron 
A. Decker, who lost his beloved wife by death in September. 
A committee from the lodge attended the services. 

As the time of election drew near there arose quite a dis¬ 
cussion among the brethren in regard to the advisability of 
continuing the annual practice of holding public installations 
of officers. Finally the matter was brought up in lodge meet¬ 
ing and after being viewed in all lights, referred to a com¬ 
mittee consisting of W. Bro. John H. Allen, Bro. James H. 
Curtin and Bro. Henry Jacobs. The recommendation of the 
committee was that hereafter the officers be installed in the 
lodge room immediately after the election and that an enter¬ 
tainment be provided at some later date for the friends of the 
lodge. The suggestions of the committee were adopted by 
the lodge. The same brethren were continued as a committee 
to arrange for a public entertainment, and they were author- 


1893 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


155 - 


ized to spend not more than $100 in hall rent or other ex¬ 
penses incidental to the success of an atfair commensurate 
with the reputation of the lodge. The talent and music would 
of course be voluntary. It was the general opinion that a 
large theatre should be secured in order to properly ac¬ 
commodate the great number anxious to secure invitations 
to the reception. The annual election passed off without ma¬ 
terial change in the staff of the current year. The prin¬ 
cipal changes were in the west, where Bro. A. J. Bisnett took 
the place of Bro. John F. Dobbs, who in turn replaced Bro. 
Charles M. Carter as Senior Deacon, and in the south, where- 
Bro. James H. Curtin took the position vacated by the ad¬ 
vancement of Bro. Bisnett. All the other officers were 
re-elected. 


1893. 

Preparations for the annual entertainment were viewed 
with more than usual interest, as the extraordinary pro¬ 
gramme of the preceding year had not been forgotten, and 
it was expected that the Entertainment Committee would 
endeavor to equal if not surpass that memorable event. The 
friends and members, therefore, gathered in large numbers 
on Tuesday, January 10, at Chickering Hall. Without un¬ 
necessary delay the doors were opened and the seats were 
quickly filled. The entertainment was opened with an organ 
solo by Professor Chase. Then followed a long programme 
of great excellence. Gilmore’s Band, under the leadership 
of Bro. D. W. Reeves, contributed a concert; there were 
comical stories by W. Bro. C. H. Govan and Bro. Marshall P. 
Wilder, and many enjoyable features which caused the after¬ 
noon to quickly pass. The affair was fully up to all expec¬ 
tations. 

During the month of January there were a number of 
eminent members of the fraternity welcomed by the Master,. 


156 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1893 


among whom may be mentioned M. W. G. M. Vincent, Past 
Grand Master of Rhode Island. 

One of those enjoyable occasions ratifying the exchange 
of fraternal compliments occurred at the meeting of March 7, 
when W. Bro. John H. Allen, on behalf of Bro. James H. 
Curtin, manager of the Olympic Theatre, presented W. Bro. 
Robert Recker, orchestra leader at the London Theatre, with 
a handsomely embroidered silk apron appropriate for the 
lodge’s presiding officer. W. Bro. Allen was in one of his 
happiest moods and made a witty speech congratulating the 
lodge upon the efficiency of its officers and mentioning the 
Master in particular. W. Bro. Recker in a Jew earnest words 
expressed his surprise and pleasure, thanking the donor 
for the beautiful gift. Among the visitors present that 
day was a brother from St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 250, Dub¬ 
lin, Ireland. Bro. Edward Quinn, of St. Cecile Lodge, was 
also present, after an absence of several years in Europe. 

About this time there again arose some dissatisfaction in 
regard to the Masonic Board of Relief. A motion was made 
that a committee be appointed to consider the advisability 
of the lodge withdrawing from the Board. The motion was 
carried and Bros. Bisnett, Low and Perpignan were selected 
to investigate the matter. Subsequently the committee made 
a report explaining the various methods employed in dis¬ 
tributing relief, and recommended that the lodge retain its 
membership in the Board. The recommendation of the com¬ 
mittee was adopted. 

A number of brethren gathered at the residence of W. Bro. 
Robert Recker on Sunday evening, April 30, the occasion 
being the first birthday of Miss Cecile Recker, named in 
honor of the lodge. A very enjoyable evening was passed, 
during which the young lady received a beautiful gold locket, 
suitably engraved. 

At the request of M. W. James Ten Eyck, Grand Master, 
the lodge prepared a musical programme for the opening of 
the Grand Lodge on June 6. On that day St. Cecile met in 


1803 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


157 


the Tuscan Room and, preceded by W. Bro. Recker, the mem¬ 
bers marched to the Grand Lodge Hall, where the lodge 
assisted in the opening ceremonies, after which they returned 
to the Tuscan Room, where labor was resumed. 

Here is the programme of the occasion:— 

GRAND LODGE, F. & A. M. 

STATE OF NEW YORK. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, 

June 6tli, 1893. 

M. W. James Ten Eyck, Grand Master. 


OPENING EXERCISES 

BY 

ST. CECILE LODGE, No. 568, F. & A. M. 

Robert Recker, W. M. 

Harry Alton Russell, Organist of the Grand Lodge. 

1. “ The Grand Lodge Processional March ” . , Bro. Geo. W. Morgan 

(Organ with Military Band accompaniment.) 

2. Salutation. 

3. Evening Star Song.Wagner 

Bro. Harry W. Roe. 

(Arranged for this occasion by Bro. Albert J. Holden.) 


QUARTETTE: 


Bro. Fred. Harvey, 1st Tenor Bro. H. W. Roe, 1st Bass 

Bro. E. P. Chase, 2d Tenor Bro. Herman Trost, 2d Bass 


0 / ye who seek for wisdom here, 

Tho’ veiled in darkness, light is near. 
Be strong in faith, and look above. 

To God’s high throne, where all is 
love. 


Through night and gloom your steps we guide , 
To where His light and truth abide; 
Fear not, the darkness soon is passed, 
And God’s own glorious light shall shine 
at last. 


4. Opening Ceremonies. 

5. Prayer.Grand Chaplain 

6. (a) “ Still as the Night ”. Bohm 

(6) “Daddy”.. Beh rends; 


Bro. Albert G. Thiers. 







158 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1893 


7. Hallelujah Chorus..Handel 

(Organ with Military Band.) 

8. Chorus (Old 100th).By members of St. Cecile Lodge 

(Brethren are requested to rise and unite in singing.) 

Be thou, 0 God, exalted high. 

And as Thy glory fills the sky. 

So shall it he on earth displayed 
Till Thou art here as there obeyed. 

D. Proclamation (with fanfare of trumpets) .... Grand Marshal 

The death of R. W. Frederick Widdows,aged seventy-three, 
first Master of St. Cecile Lodge, occurred at his residence, in 
Washington, on July 17, after a protracted illness, during 
which the lodge kept in touch with the family and performed 
such services as were possible for his comfort. Besides being 
the founder of St. Cecile, Bro. Widdows also had the distinc¬ 
tion of being an honorary member of several Masonic lodges, 
including St. Cecile, and was well known in musical circles. 
A sketch of the venerable brother will be found in the pre¬ 
vious pages of this work. The funeral took place from the 
Hamlin M. E. Church, in Washington, on July 19, at half¬ 
past four in the afternoon. After the church service Hew 
Jerusalem Lodge, Ho. 9, of Washington, at the request of 
St. Cecile Lodge, accompanied the body to the cemetery, 
where Masonic services were held in the presence of a large 
gathering. The only members of St. Cecile present were 
Bros. Theodore Cays and Charles McPherson, the latter act¬ 
ing as candle bearer. During the progress of the funeral 
the chimes of the Metropolitan Church were tolled, adding 
greatly to the solemnity of the obsequies. Bro. Widdows’ 
last resting place is in a beautiful location in the celebrated 
Rock Creek Cemetery, in the District of Columbia, where 
he lies beside his beloved wife, Martha, who preceded him 
two years. The spot is appropriately marked by a marble 
slab. The following lines, from a prominent daily newspaper 
of Washington, D. C., refer to a touching incident connected 
with the death of his wife, which has been mentioned in 
this record:— 




1893 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


159 


THE LAST REQUEST. 

[Inscribed to Prof. Frederick Widdows.] 

Hark, from the belfry’s quivering height 
Titanic music swells 

And freights the city’s pulsing night 
With the message of the bells. 

Now joy, now grief, in rhythmic beats 
Melodious clangor sends; 

Anon the unseen player greets 
His noblest of all friends. 

And now centennial chimes obey 
That cunning artist’s hand; 

And sound Columbia’s glorious day 
Abroad thro’ all the land. 

A proud thrill stirs the player’s soul— 

A flush his pale cheeks wear; 

Exultant clashes grandly roll 
To a listening nation’s ear. 

***** 

“ Play for me once again,” she said, 

“ The shadows gather fast; 

Let the dear notes so oft you’ve played 
Of earth’s sounds be the last.” 

Shadowed by death’s descending wing 
The snowy head droops low 

And hands that made the great bells sing 
Falter and tremble now. 

Tremble, but fail not, for the strain 
Best loved till life’s last even 

Falls on her dulling ear again ; 

Forgot are age and care and pain 
Earth’s last is first of Heaven. 

Washington, June, 1891. 


By vote of the lodge it was decided to hold a “ ladies’ 
day ” on October 3. The lodge met in the Tuscan Boom 
at the usual hour, but at once adjourned and the doors were 
thrown open to the ladies, who were welcomed by the brethren 
and escorted to seats. There was plenty of talent and the 


160 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1893 


visitors were convulsed with laughter by the efforts of some 
brothers to exemplify certain mystic degrees originated for 
the benefit of the ladies. Refreshments were served, after 
which the audience was dismissed, returning to their homes 
greatly pleased with the reception. 


APPERTAINING TO TIIE MUSICIANS. 

Included in the membership are many prominent com¬ 
posers and musicians, who have gained renown, some of 
whom have been connected with the lodge for many years. 
Brief reference to a few of these, in the order in which they 
joined, will he found interesting. The percentage of musi¬ 
cians is larger than that of any other vocation. Among the 
familiar names is that of Bro. Henry Wannemacher, orchestra 
leader at Booth’s, who signed the roll October 15, 1873, and 
remained a member, till his death in 1902, twenty-nine years. 
Others are Bro. Louis Baer, Jr., also an orchestra leader; Bro. 
James Pearce, lodge Organist ; Bro. Julius Bernstein, a well 
known violinist, who became suddenly insane during rehear¬ 
sal in the Cathedral and smashed his beloved violin; Bro. 
Michael Keinz; Bro. Joseph Withers, a relative of R. W. 
Bro. Widdows, who was bandmaster with the Barnum and 
Bailey show; Bro. Reuben Withers, brother of the preceding, 
who is still with us, musical director of the famous “ Black 
Crook ” and other big productions; another brother was Wil¬ 
liam, who was orchestra leader at Ford’s Theatre in Wash¬ 
ington the night of the assassination of President Lincoln, 
and who was slashed by the escaping murderer in his flight; 
Bro. Joseph Laendner, well-known violinist; Bro. William 
Bayne, the popular leader for many years of the famous 
Sixty-ninth Regiment Band; Bro. William Lloyd Bowron, 
for fourteen years musical director at the Fourteenth Street 
Theatre; Bro. Edward P. Quinn, drum artist; Bro. Joseph 
A. De Bona, violinist and teacher; Bro. Emil Habercorn, 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER 
1881 -82-83-84. 





18931 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE 


161 


a well-known orchestra leader, who married Margaret Mather, 
the actress; Bro. Louis Begiebing, orchestra player; Bro. 
William A. Sander, noted teacher; Bro. Gustave A. Kerker, 
author of numerous operatic successes at the Casino and 
elsewhere; Bro. Philip Straub, Jr.; Bro. Horace G. Spargur; 
Bro. William M. Armstrong, drummer; Bro. Theodore Moses 
Tobani, whose “ Hearts and Flowers ” have won for him 
fame and fortune; Bro. Frank Stretz and Bro. Charles W. 
Freudenvoll, clarinetists. 


SOME WELL-KNOWN ACTORS AND SINGERS. 

Then there were the actors and singers, most of whom are 
so well known that it is almost superfluous to mention their 
achievements. Bro. Henry Schwicardi, a vocalist with a 
phenomenal voice; Bro. Dionysius Barron, opera singer, and 
Bro. John Fielding, a well known comedian, all came into 
the lodge in the early seventies. Bro. Charles A. Stevenson, 
who became Junior Warden in 1884, is an actor of acknowl¬ 
edged ability, who affiliated from Winslow Lewis Lodge, 
Boston, in 1876, and has never lost his interest in the fra¬ 
ternity; his generous actions endear him to all. Bro. Henry 
Jesson Beckett, celebrated comedian, is mentioned elsewhere. 
Bro. Frederic C. P. Kobinson, actor, who affiliated from 
Globe Lodge, 588, in 1876, played important characters with 
such celebrities as Booth; he was very active in his interest 
in lodge affairs, was Senior Warden in 1879-80, and doubtless 
would have been Master of the lodge had he remained in 
America. Bro. John W. Peck, an actor, joined the lodge at 
about the same time that Bros. Jabez Freeth and Harry W. 
Roe, singers, were initiated. In 1882 the first circus per¬ 
formers were initiated, the brothers Hartley—Charles and 
William. Shortly afterward Bro. George Baxter (Olmi) 
affiliated from a Scottish lodge; he was regarded as a very 
fine opera singer, and often delighted the brethren with his 


162 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1893 


renditions of popular airs, and sang the solos at the opening 
of the Grand Lodge and other ceremonies; he was Junior 
Warden in 1889. Bro. Robert Fulford, an English actor, 
favorably known to old theatre-goers on both sides of the At¬ 
lantic, has been a member in good standing since 1883. Bro. 
Ralph Delmore is a famous leading actor who had been iden¬ 
tified with numerous notable metropolitan successes of recent 
years. Bro. Marshall P. Wilder, “ king of entertainers and 
entertainer of kings,” has frequently volunteered at functions 
of the lodge. Bro. Marlborough Hardy and George S. Robin¬ 
son were actors. Bro. William A. M. de Watteville, M.D., 
was the possessor of a splendidly trained voice, and often 
sang in the lodge room. Bro. John Findlay, a sterling actor 
of the old school; Bro. Joseph H. Herbert 'received his 
first degree in 1888 and his third seventeen years later; Bro. 
Jefferson De Angelis, leading operatic comedian, travelling 
for years as the star of a large company, and Bro. Julius 
Kahn, are still members. The Weston brothers, Morris and 
Samuel, old-time entertainers, joined the lodge in 1889, as did 
Bro. Felix Morris, a fine actor, and Bro. R. A. Rice (Roberts), 
a noted stage manager. Then there are the three Mann 
brothers—Samuel, Hathan and Louis, the latter a comedian 
of the first class, starring in successful productions. Bro. 
John IL. Rylev, comedian, also at the head of a large the¬ 
atrical company. Bro. Abraham Symmons forsook the news¬ 
paper field to sing in opera, and is stage manager for one of 
the successful travelling companies. Bro. Frederick Solomon, 
versatile actor and musician who has staged many successes, 
is chef d’orchestra for Klaw and Erlanger; Bros. John Car- 
dall and John C. Rice, actors, are familiarly known in lead¬ 
ing attractions; Bro. Eugene O. Jepson is well known in the 
metropolis for his fine impersonations in many important 
dramatic productions. Bros. George and Barton Swope (Rice 
and Barton) have long been favorably known to the vaude¬ 
ville stage as actors and managers. Bro. Joseph M. Weber 
and Bro. Lewis M. Fields have long been famous as leading 
'exponents of German comedy. 


1893 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


163 


PRINTERS FLOCKING INTO THE LODGE. 

The printers, too, have furnished many talented men, 
among whom in seniority of membership may be noted: 
Bros. Millard F. Horton, Charles H. Govan and Theodore A. 
Cays, alluded to elsewhere; Bro. George H. Moore, a veteran 
of the Civil War, who affiliated from Catawissa Lodge, Ho. 
349, Pennsylvania, May 5, 1885, and who is employed as 
proof-reader on leading daily newspapers of the metropolis. 
Others who joined in the latter part of the eighties or early 
in the nineties are Bro. Frederick Ditchie, Bro. Charles M. 
Carter, formerly very active in the lodge; Bro. John F. 
Dobbs, who gained a wide reputation for efficiency as Senior 
Deacon; Bro. Darius Minshull and Bro. Joseph Babcock, the 
latter for many years a proof-reader in the Government Print¬ 
ing Office in Washington. Bro. Joseph Greenbaum, also a 
proof-reader, who was formerly active in lodge affairs; Bros. 
Charles McPherson, Theodore C. Lauer, A. L. Mishler, Wil¬ 
liam S. McCurdy and Charles F. Brodie, all of whom are 
well known and who have been in the lodge since the begin¬ 
ning of the nineties. 

Prominent among those engaged in theatrical enterprises 
other than previously mentioned were Bro. William B. Gross, 
an agent, who joined the lodge in the early part of 1888. 
Bro. Henry C. Jacobs was the first to be registered as a 
u theatrical manager.” He was very enthusiastic, and on one 
occasion, with true fraternalism, journeyed to Washington 
and successfully used his influence in having an old member 
of the lodge retained in a position from which he was about 
to be removed. Bro. Jacobs was Senior Master of Ceremonies 
in 1890-92, and Chaplain in 1893; he was also the first Li¬ 
brarian of the lodge. 

SOME MEMBERS WITH NOTABLE RECORDS. 

Among those engaged in other occupations are Bro. Wil¬ 
liam M. Young, watchman for a prominent East Side thea- 


164 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1893 


tre ever since the close of the war in 1865, and a member 
and regular attendant of St. Cecile since Feb. 17, 1873. Bro. 
“ Billy ” may not be as active physically as he once was, but 
his mind is a perfect storehouse of interesting reminiscence. 

Bro. Joseph Henning was born in Hew York City in 
1835, and was engaged in business for forty-five years in 
Fulton Market, where his reputation for upright dealing was 
of the best. He first saw Masonic light in Piatt Lodge, Ho. 
194, in 1865, but withdrew in 1867 to become a charter mem¬ 
ber of Citizens’ Lodge, where he was Treasurer several years. 
He affiliated with St. Cecile in January, 1877, and was Treas¬ 
urer of the lodge from 1890 to 1894, and also served as 
Trustee a number of terms. 

Bro. Raymond R. Minor, collector for twenty-five years 
for one firm, who was raised in De Witt Clinton Lodge, Ho. 
141, Cartersville, Virginia, and paid for his initiation by 
cutting cordwood and selling it to the lodge. He was Senior 
Deacon for a number of years afterward, and affiliated with 
St. Cecile January 18, 1881. There could scarcely be a more 
steadfast adherent to the principles of the fraternity than 
Bro. Minor. His favorite work has been largely in connec¬ 
tion with the Masonic Board of Relief, where he represented 
St. Cecile many terms. Bro. Minor is a large man of tower¬ 
ing stature, with a kindly, generous disposition which espe¬ 
cially fits him for the duty of relieving those in distress. He 
was Junior Master of Ceremonies in 1882, and afterward 
served four years as Junior Deacon, and as Marshal in 
1889-90. 

Bro. Albert C. Perpignan, Jr., a tobacconist, was made 
a Mason in Mizpah Lodge, Ho. 738, and affiliated with St. 
Cecile in April 5, 1881. He was Junior Warden in 1882, 
Senior Deacon in 1886-88, Marshal in 1897. Bro. Perpignan 
is a veteran of the Union Army in the Civil War, and takes 
an active interest in all matters Masonic as well as in those 
of the Grand Army of the Republic, and retains an affection 
for St. Cecile which nothing can displace. 


1893 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


165 


Among the old members of the lodge none is regarded with 
greater affection than Bro. Isaac Friedenberg, a retired 
merchant, who has given St. Cecile four sons. Bro. Frieden- 
berg was made a Mason in Georgia fifty years ago. He 
affiliated from Hamilton Lodge, No. 16, on December 5, 1882, 
and has since been a regular attendant at meetings whenever 
possible. 

In addition to these are Bros. Thomas Grey, policeman, 
who joined the lodge October 31, 1882; Louis Wachter, a 
butcher; Horatio C. King, well known author and lawyer; 
Louis F. Weisman, pharmacist; John McElroy, dairy prod¬ 
ucts; Louis J. Friedenberg, son of Bro. Isaac Friedenberg; 
Bro. Merritt W. Larabee, merchant, and Bros. William J. 
Bailey,plumber; George W. Walker, grocer; Walter T. Stern- 
enberg, John C. Duffy, dealer in paints and oils in Worth 
Street for many years; J. Charles Grasmuk, music publisher; 
Arthur J. Reeder, drugs; Henry Mueller, Jr.; William M. 
Thoms, editor of “ Musical Art Review ”; James M. Em- 
bree, proprietor of a large variety market at Dobbs Ferry, 
and Bernard McCann, hatter. 

By a remarkable chain of circumstances during the year 
an unusual number of brethren were sufferers from one cause 
or another. Bro. Henry Hauck, of the Fire Department, 
had one of his hands badly injured while in the performance 
of his duty. W. Bro. Charles H. Govan underwent two pain¬ 
ful operations, one in Roosevelt and the other in the Post- 
Graduate Hospital. Bro. Thomas S. Nedham was quite ill 
for some time, as were also W. Bro. Myron A. Decker and 
Bro. William M. Thoms. Bro. James H. Curtin had one 
of his legs broken in an accident, and several other brethren 
met with slighter mishaps. 

In most respects the year was a very prosperous one for 
the lodge. After hearing the annual reports the brethren 
chose officers for the ensuing year. The election resulted in 
but little change. Bro. James H. Curtin was elected Senior 
Warden and Bro. W. W. Walters Junior Warden, all the 


166 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1894 


other elective officers being retained in their several places. 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker was appointed Chaplain, and Bro. 
Henry S. Jacobs Librarian. By vote of the lodge it was 
resolved to install the new officers publicly, as had been done 
in several previous years. A committee was appointed to 
secure artists for an entertainment to follow the installation 
ceremonies. It was decided to have the installation in the 
Grand Lodge Hall. 


1894. 

Members of the lodge met in the Tuscan Room on Tues¬ 
day, January 9, the date of the installation ceremonies. 
Preceded by the officers, the lodge marched to the large hall, 
already well filled with expectant friends. During the cere¬ 
monies R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers acted as Grand Master, 
being assisted by W. Bro. Myron A. Decker as Grand Mar¬ 
shal. After the installation the platform was taken possession 
of by the artists, who delighted the audience with vocal and 
instrumental music, interspersed with vaudeville. W. Bro. 
Robert Recker directed the orchestra. 

The lodge Avas the recipient of a programme of the last con¬ 
cert given by Bro. George W. Morgan. A vote of thanks 
was tendered Bro. Nathaniel Mann, the donor. A letter was 
received from Bro. Sidney Herbert, playing with Daly’s 
company in London, in which he reported the death of Bro. 
Ralph Nisbet, which occurred at his father’s home, in Worth¬ 
ing, on January 5. The lodge was visited by R. W. William 
J. Duncan, Grand Librarian, who was welcomed with appro¬ 
priate honors by the Master. 

A resolution was introduced that a committee be appointed 
to consider the advisability of adopting some kind of dis¬ 
tinctive lodge button to be worn by members and which was 
to be presented to all new members upon their signing the 
by-laws. 

Some of the members of the lodge complained about the 


1894 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


167 


garbled reports of lodge affairs which from time to time 
found their way into the newspapers. It was thereupon re¬ 
solved to add the office of Historian to the list of annual 
appointments. The duties of the Historian were defined to 
consist of “ furnishing the press with proper notices of work 
accomplished and to be done, and to boom the interests of 
the lodge generally.” W. Bro. John E. Morse was appointed 
by the Master as Historian for the year. 

The meeting of March 6 was a record breaker, although 
attendance at lodge meetings all through the winter had been 
phenomenally large. It had been announced in the notices 
that the lodge would be honored by a visit from R. W. Charles 
E. Booth, M.D., District Deputy of the Seventh, accompanied 
by a delegation of Masters. The cordial reception accorded 
the distinguished brother gratified him very much. There 
were fully six hundred brethren in the Commandery Room 
when the District Deputy entered. He was introduced 
to the brethren in a neat speech of welcome by W. Bro. 
Recker, to which he made appropriate reply. The lodge then 
proceeded with the work of the third degree, which was done 
in splendid style, the lodge being complimented by the repre¬ 
sentative of the Grand Master. The regular force was aug¬ 
mented by W. Bro. August Eichelberg and members of Scotia 
Lodge in costume. R. W. John Stewart, D. G. M., delivered 
the lecture on the symbolism of the degree in his well-known 
impressive manner. During the refreshment hour there was 
a quartet of brass instruments played by Bros. Thomas 
Baugh, Horace G. Spargur, Alfred C. Kruger and George 
E. Fuller, under direction of W. Bro. Michael Schlig, which 
played “ The Lord’s Own Day,” “ Annie Laurie ” and other 
music in faultless style. Bro. “ Harry ” Roe sang “ I Fear 
No Foe ” and other songs, and W. Bro. Govan amused the 
brethren with several of his inimitable characterizations. 
There were present scores of the leading Masonic brethren 
from lodges all over the city, and the Commandery Room 
could not accommodate all the throng. 

The reception tendered to the Grand Master by the lodges 


168 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1894 


of the Seventh District took place in the Commandery Room 
on April 3. W. Bro. Robert Recker and about fifty members 
of St. Cecile Lodge were present. It was a grand affair, 
attended by a large number of prominent Masons. Orches¬ 
tral music was provided by W. Bro. Recker, who had ar¬ 
ranged special numbers for the occasion. 

In March a resolution was introduced in the lodge in¬ 
creasing the initiation to $50, but after the constitutional 
time had elapsed, upon the matter being thoroughly threshed 
out on the floor of the lodge, it was decided to make no 
change. 

W. Bro. John H. Allen, who had engaged in business at 
Millbrook, N. Y., applied for a dimit to Shekomeko Lodge, 
No. 458, located at that place. It was with no small regret 
that the brethren acceded to his request. St. Cecile Lodge 
never had a more conscientious or able master, and a more 
popular one it certainly would be difficult to imagine. 

The death of Bro. Johnston Fountain, of Lafayette Lodge, 
No. 64, occurred June 5. Bro. Fountain was the first Tiler 
of St. Cecile Lodge in 1865, and served, with slight interrup¬ 
tion, in that position for twenty-six years. Owing to the 
serious illness of W. Bro. Recker, the lodge did not turn out 
in a body to the funeral, but a number of the brethren at¬ 
tended the services. 

There was so much unfinished lodge work demanding at¬ 
tention that it was decided not to adjourn during the summer, 
and notwithstanding the hot weather the attendance at lodge 
meetings was satisfactory. 

In October the Treasurer informed the lodge that the funds 
had reached the limit at which they could draw interest in 
the bank where the account was kept. This pleasing intel¬ 
ligence interested the brethren very much, and the Treasurer 
was authorized to start an account in another institution. 

By the generosity of Bros. W. W. Walters and W. L. Mar¬ 
shall the lodge was made the recipient of a handsome clock, 
which was acknowledged by a formal vote of thanks. 


18941 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


169 


Among the many visitors present upon the occasion of the 
official visit of R. W. Stephen D. Affleck, District Deputy, 
November 19, was his venerable father, who had not attended 
a lodge meeting in many years because of his inability to be 
out at night. Bro. Affleck, Sr., was in his eightieth year, 
mentally active although somewhat weak physically. He was 
called up to the east to shake hands with the Master, which 
gave him great pleasure. The reception to the District 
Deputy was largely attended. K. W. James B. Gillie, Dis¬ 
trict Deputy of the Fifth, was also present, as were several 
hundred other brethren. 

The annual meeting attracted an unusually large number 
of brethren, and the Tuscan Boom was filled. The reports of 
the officers were very flattering. The Treasurer reported that 
the assets of the lodge had passed the $4,000 mark and con¬ 
gratulated the lodge upon its prosperity. The Secretary, not 
to be outdone, reported that this had been a banner year 
also in the way of work, no less than thirty-three new mem¬ 
bers having been added to the roll, beating all previous rec¬ 
ords for one year. W. Bro. Robert Recker was unanimously 
re-elected Master, but declined to accept a fourth term. Dur¬ 
ing his three years as Master the lodge had increased in 
membership from 203 to 250, a net gain of 47, and the 
assets had doubled. Bro. James H. Curtin received the un¬ 
divided support of the members for Master, Bro. William W. 
Walters was elected Senior Warden, and Bro. C. Edward 
Low Junior Warden. The Trustees were W. Bro. Robert 
Recker, W. Bro. Michael Schlig and Bro. Laurence O’Reilly. 
The appointments included Bro. William B. Clayton as 
Senior Deacon, W. Bro. Myron A. Decker as Historian and 
W. Bro. “ Harry ” Russell, of Mosaic Lodge, as Organist. 
Delegates to the Board of Relief were Bros. Isaac Frieden- 
"berg, Raymond R. Minor, Benjamin E. Hays, John C. 
Barnes, James B. Smith and Augustus P. Greene. The 
Finance Committee was Bros. William W. Walters, C. Ed¬ 
ward Low and William B. Clayton. The election was pre- 


170 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1895 

sided over by R. W. John Stewart, D. G. M., who addressed 
the lodge in well chosen words of wise counsel. The retiring 
Master also addressed the brethren, and made several sug¬ 
gestions for the improvement of the work. Among other 
things he proposed that a lodge of sorrow be held in memory 
of departed brethren of St. Cecile Lodge. It was decided 
to have the officers installed publicly, as in former years, 
and a committee, consisting of Bros. Curtin, Schlig, Rogers, 
Walters and Clayton, was appointed to arrange the details of 
an entertainment to follow the induction of the new staff. 


1895. 

W. Bro. James H. Curtin (Theatrical Manager).— 
Raised in Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, Carlisle, Pa., 
February 8, 1881; affiliated with St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, 
February 2, 1892; Junior Warden, 1893; Senior Warden, 
1894; Master, 1895; Trustee, 1896. 

The well-known and popular theatrical manager, W. Bro. James H. 
Curtin, was born in Houston, Tex., May 23, 1858, and is a distant relative- 
of the famous war Governor of Pennsylvania. After learning the business 
of architect he engaged in politics, and served as Sheriff, a position which: 
in that locality demands a strong man, of quick decision and unques¬ 
tioned courage. He came to New York City in 1883 and engaged in the 
theatrical business, in which he has continued ever since. After obtain¬ 
ing his Masonic degrees in Pennsylvania, W. Bro. Curtin removed to- 
New York, and in 1892 affiliated with St. Cecile Lodge. He is a man 
of generous impulses and his many lovable qualities endear him to a host 
of friends, who never think of his having any imperfections. The lodge 
prospered w r ell under his administration as Master. “ Uncle Jim,” as he 
is familiarly known to his intimates, is enthusiastic on all subjects of 
interest to the fraternity. He has made a personal investigation of all 
the different branches of Masonry, and it is doubtful if there is a man- 
in St. Cecile who is a member of more organizations of a Masonic char¬ 
acter. Besides St. Cecile Lodge, W. Bro. Curtin is a Past High Priest 
of Corinthian Chapter, No. 159; Past Thrice Illustrious Master Colum¬ 
bian Council, No. 1; Past Eminent Commander Ivanhoe Commandery, 
No. 36; member of various Scottish Rite bodies of Northern Jurisdiction 


1895] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


171 


is a member of Mecca Temple, Order of Anointed High Priests, Azim 
Grotto, No. 1; Knights Templar Club, Masonic Club, Masonic Veterans,, 
etc. Really, if one did not know W. Bro. Curtin, he might be pardoned 
for thinking him a “ jiner,” sure enough. 

There was little difference from similar functions of pre¬ 
vious years in the installation ceremonies of 7 95. The most 
prominent figure upon this occasion was R. W. John Stewart,. 
D. G. M., who presided as acting Grand Master and in¬ 
spired all by his eloquent address. He was assisted by 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker as Grand Marshal, who was very 
much at home in the part, having performed the duties many 
times. Brethren of the lodge marched into the Grand Lodge 
Hall, headed by the officers, and the following programme- 
was observed:— 


March 


By Wor. Bro. Harry Alton Russell 


INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

Installing Officer, Assisted by 

Right Wor. Bro. John Stewart, Wor. Bro. Myron A. Decker, 

Acting Grand Master, Acting as Grand Marshal. 

Wor. Bro. Robert Recker and his celebrated Harmonists will furnish 
the incidental music and accompaniments to the entertainment. 

1. Overture—“ Merry Wives of Windsor ”.Nic-olar 

Military Band. Under the direction of Bro. W. B. Rogers. 

2. George J. Gaskin—New York’s Favorite Vocalist. 

3. The Character Comedians, 

Steele & Murray, 

In their original creation, “ A Night at the Players’ Club,” 
introducing imitations of all the popular actors, 
original parodies, witty dialogues, etc. 

4. Melodies—From “ A Gaiety Girl ”.Jones- 

Military Band. Under the direction of Bro. W. B. Rogers. 

5. Song—“ Call Me Back ” 


Miss Olive Barry. 


Dinza 






172 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1895 

G. “ The Tots ”.Miss Alice Keese and Miss Lulu Decker 

[By permission of Bro. J. T. Keese.] 

7. Recitations, 

Bro. Ralph Delmore. 

8. Overture—•“ Stradella ”.Flotow 

Wor. Bro. Harry Alton Russell. 

9. Song—“ I Fear no Foe ”.Pinsuti 

Bro. Henry W. Roe. 

10. Quartette for Brass Instruments, 

Douglas Bros., Rogers, Hunt, Alessio and Archimede. 

11. Chas. Vann—In Original Songs. 

Grand March—“ Organ ”.Wor. Bro. Harry Alton Russell 


A standing committee was appointed to pass upon all ap¬ 
plications for membership which should come before the 
lodge. The following brethren were named: W. Bros. Robert 
Recker, John E. Morse and M. A. Decker, Bros. H. W. Roe, 
W. W. Walter, W. B. Clayton and C. E. Low. Subsequently, 
on February 19, this action was rescinded and the committee 
discharged. The Trustees were ordered to rent a box in the 
safe room of the Temple in which to keep securely the jewels 
and other valuables belonging to the lodge. 

One of the noteworthy communications of this year oc¬ 
curred on May 21. The work was the third degree, with 
five candidates. The various stations were all occupied by 
Past Masters, as follows: W. Bro. Decker, W. M.; W. Bro. 
Recker, S. W.; W. Bro. Donogh, J. W.; W. Bro. Govan, 
S. D.; W. Bro. Jacoby, J. D.; W. Bro. Schlig, S. M. C.; 
W. Bro. Morse, J. M. C.; W. Bro. Latham, Steward; W. Bro. 
Larabee, Marshal; W. Bro. Wood, of Stuyvesant Lodge, 
Chaplain. It was unusually interesting to see so many old 
members working together at one time. There was a splendid 
instrumental programme by Bros. Michael Schlig, John 
Mnndwyler, Bodeman and Christian Hess, and vocal solos 
by Bro. Julius Witmark and others. A great many of the 
best known Masonic brethren in the city were present. 

The one hundred and fourteenth communication of the 
Grand Lodge was opened in the Temple on Tuesday, June 4, 









WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1895 





1895 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


173 


with the usual imposing ceremonies. St. Cecile Lodge was 
present by invitation and furnished special music, among 
other pieces a grand march composed expressly for the occa¬ 
sion by W. Bro. Becker. 


END OF THE THIRD DECADE PROPERLY OBSERVED. 

Handsomely printed invitations for the thirtieth anni¬ 
versary were sent out, bidding the friends to gather in the 
Commandery Boom on Tuesday, June 11, at half-past one 
in the afternoon. The brethren of the lodge assembled in 
the Tuscan Boom. After forming in double rank they as¬ 
cended to the upper chamber, where the guests had already 
gathered in force. As the lodge entered the Commandery 
Boom the orchestra struck up an inspiring march. After 
a brief address of welcome to the many prominent Masons 
present and a few appreciative compliments for the ladies, 
the Master introduced B. W. Stephen Affleck, D.D., of 
the Seventh, who after a few mysterious remarks proceeded 
to bestow upon W. Bro. Bobert Becker a magnificent gold 
watch and chain, a testimonial of the esteem in which he 
was held by the members of the lodge. At the same time 
W. Bro. John H. Allen was presented with a handsomely 
engrossed certificate of honorary membership in St. Cecile 
Lodge. Bro. Allen made a characteristic speech, which 
caused a great deal of amusement. The remainder of the 
afternoon was devoted to an entertainment, in which Miss 
Maud Morgan played the harp and Bro. Imro Fox mystified 
all with his clever sleight of hand performance. Bros. Walter 
B. Bogers, Frederico Sonty, Albrie and Archimede, on a 
quartet of brass instruments, discoursed some delightful 
music. Bro. Frank Harding sang, Bro. Gus Williams played 
a comical piano solo, Bro. Hans Albrecht played violin solos, 
W. Bro. Charles H. Govan recited “ Casey at the Bat,” and 
there were other attractive numbers. After the programme 


174 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1895 


a collation was served. As the day drew to a close the guests 
departed with many expressions of pleasure at St. Cecile’s 
hospitality. W. Bros. James JI. Curtin, M. A. Decker and 
Robert Recker, Bros. R. W. Ryer and Walter B. Rogers were 
the recipients of many congratulations upon the success of 
the affair. 

Bro. Thomas Russell, a well-known music publisher, who 
joined the lodge in 1867, by affiliation, died at his residence, 
in Westchester County, on October 14. He had often ex¬ 
pressed the wish that the brethren of the lodge should bury 
him in the event of his death, and in compliance with his 
^request the Master, Secretary and a number of the brethren 
went to Somers Centre, N. Y., on October 17, and accom¬ 
panied the body to Kensico Cemetery, where Masonic services 
were read by W. Bro. Curtin. 

Another member lost by death this year was Bro. John C. 
F. Reitzel, who died December 12, aged seventy-one. Bro. 
Reitzel was one of the oldest members, his name b?ing seven¬ 
teenth on the roll, his membership dating back thirty years. 
He always delighted in attending lodge meetings, but never 
'cared to accept any office, except that of Junior Master of 
Ceremonies in 1865-66. As a musician he was one of the 
best known orchestra flute players and conductors in the city 
"of Hew York. He was bandmaster of the Seventh Regiment 
in the early fifties, and became a member of the Philharmonic 
'Society, the first regularly organized large concert orchestra 
in the city, November 25, 1848; was elected vice-president 
in 1880, and re-elected annually until his death. He con¬ 
ducted all the dance and lighter music for the Arion Society 
and it was not unusual for him to wield the baton over or¬ 
chestras of two hundred or more musicians at the great func¬ 
tions in Madison Square Garden and the Metropolitan Opera 
House. A kindly man he was and his word could absolutely 
l>e depended upon at all times. He was one of the substantial 
men of the lodge, and his name frequently occurs among the 
lists of volunteers. He was buried with Masonic honors, 


1896 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


175 


W. Bro. James H. Curtin reading the service, in the presence 
of numerous mourning friends. 

The close of the year 1895 found the brethren of St. Cecile 
in a very complacent and hopeful frame of mind about the 
affairs of the lodge. The year had been a satisfactory one 
in every particular and the outlook never was better. The 
brethren increased the Christmas donations of the lodge to 
$295, and proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year. 
W. Bro. J ames H. Curtin was pressed to stand for re-election, 
but excused himself on the plea of business. Bro. C. Edward 
Low was elected Master, Bro. A. J. Bisnett Senior Warden, 
Bro. Laurence O’Reilly Junior Warden, W. Bro. Robert 
Recker Treasurer. Bro. H. W. Roe was re-elected Secretary, 
W. Bro. M. A. Decker was appointed Chaplain and W. Bro. 
John E. Morse Historian. The Trustees were W. Bros. 
Decker and Curtin and Bro. Joseph L. Henning. Delegates 
to the Board of Relief were W. Bro. Michael Schlig, Bros. 
R. R. Minor, I. Eriedenberg, John C. Barnes, Robert B. 
Potts and J. B. Smith. It was decided to follow the custom 
of other years in the matter of a public installation of offi¬ 
cers. The following brethren were appointed a committee 
to provide talent: W. Bros. J ames H. Curtin, Robert Recker, 
Bros. Walter B. Rogers and Henry C. Jacobs. 


1896. 

W. Bro. C. Edward Low (Proof-reader).—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568, March 7, 1893. Senior Deacon, 
1894; Junior Warden, 1895; Master, 1896-97; Trustee, 
1898. 

The fifth Master contributed to St. Cecile Lodge by the “ art preserva¬ 
tive ” was W. Bro. C. Edward Low, a native of Carlisle, Pa., where he 
was born September 15, 1856. After receiving instruction in the public 
schools, he attended the Carlisle High School, where he graduated in 1873. 
W. Bro. Low learned the printing trade in the office of the Carlisle 


176 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1896 


“ Herald,” after which he travelled through the South. He came to New 
York in 1876, and since that time has been steadily employed upon the 
large metropolitan dailies as a proof-reader. As a Mason he appears to 
hold the record in Si. Cecile for rapid advancement. In t^o years and 
ten months from the time he received his first degre lie was elected Mas¬ 
ter of the lodge. As presiding officer he displayed that accuracy which 
his business training requires in order to be successful. More than $1,600 
was added to the lodge funds during his two-year term. He frequently 
serves the lodge on important committees and is regarded as a capable 
and conscientious worker. 


If popularity were measured by attendance upon the an¬ 
nual entertainment, St. Cecile Lodge need have no fears as 
to its standing in the community. Gracious! how the people 
did turn out to the installation in the Grand Lodge Hall on 
January 12. There were at a conservative estimate at least 
twelve hundred persons in the hall when R. W. James B. 
Gillie sounded the gavel and called the assemblage to order. 
It was a beautiful, inspiring scene. The platform was filled 
with flowers, the odor from which permeated everywhere. 
The brethren marched into the hall, as usual, to strains of 
music, and were seated in the front rows. The ceremony of 
installing the officers according to the ancient usages was then 
proceeded with. W. Bro. Becker acted as Grand Marshal 
in the absence of W. Bro. Decker, who was unable to attend 
because of illness. The entertainment was opened with a 
concert by the Seventh Regiment Band, Bro. Walter B. Rog¬ 
ers conductor. After the overture “ Merry Wives of Wind¬ 
sor,” by the band, there was two hours of amusement, con¬ 
tributed by many brethren from the various theatres, who 
presented a programme of interesting specialties. Everything 
passed in first class style, without wait or hitch of any kind. 
As the guests retired there was heard nothing but praise for 
St. Cecile Lodge and her talented members. 

There was an alarming amount of illness reported among 
the brethren during this winter. One of the first to be taken 
ill was W. Bro. Myron A. Decker, followed by Bros. William 
W. Walters and Christian Jauss. Secretary Roe also was 


1896 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


177 


absent from his post on one occasion through illness. Bro. 
Alfred C. Kruger was confined to his home. 

It was with sad hearts that the brethren responded to a 
summons to attend the funeral of the genial Christian Jauss, 
who died on May 2. The brethren met at Ho. 416 Sixth 
Avenue on May 4. Services were conducted by W. Bro. 
Myron A. Decker, who spoke feelingly of the dead brother’s 
twenty-seven years’ membership in the lodge, during which 
period lie was always the trusted friend of all. His cafe and 
restaurant on Sixth Avenue had been for years a resort for 
members of the Masonic fraternity. A committee represent¬ 
ing the lodge accompanied the funeral cortege to the ceme¬ 
tery. On the same day another faithful member of the 
lodge, Bro. Albert C. Kruger, died at his residence, in East 
Eighty-fifth Street. He was well known among musicians 
and had been initiated in St. Cecile Lodge early in the year 
1892. The funeral service was held at the residence on May 
5, at one o’clock in the afternoon. W. Bro. Becker read the 
service, and there was a vocal solo by a gifted soprano, “ He 
Giveth His Beloved Sleep; ” Bro. H. W. Roe sang “ Hearer, 
My God, to Thee,” and a quartet of trombones played a 
dirge. There was also a band of forty pieces from the Mu¬ 
sical Union, which played “ Forsaken.” The lodge was 
draped in mourning in memory of these brothers, and' letters 
of condolence addressed to their families. 

Hot only did the lodge lose these faithful brothers by 
death, but quite a number of others departed to fill engage¬ 
ments in distant cities. Bro. Frederic C. P. Robinson, who 
had been a devoted member of St. Cecile for twenty years, 
announced his departure for Europe, where he had signed for 
a long engagement. The brethren bade him a hearty godspeed 
in his undertaking. The Secretary was ordered to write him 
a letter expressing the esteem in which he was held by the 
lodge and officially wishing him bon voyage. Bro. John E. 
Mundwyler, son of Bro. John J. Mundwyler, had been or¬ 
dered by his physician to seek the balmy breezes of the Pa- 


178 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1896 


cific coast in search of health. The brethren extended to 
him their hearty wishes for a safe and quick return to the 
metropolis. Thus these twp brothers parted in the lodge 
room, never to meet again on earth with the brethren of their 
beloved lodge. Bro. Mundwyler died in San Francisco in 
1902, and no tidings of Bro. Robinson have been received 
for a number of years, although professional brethren travel¬ 
ling in Europe have made exhaustive inquiry many times. 


FIRST GRAND LODGE APPOINTMENT IN MANY YEARS. 

Many years had passed since St. Cecile Lodge had been 
honored with a Grand Lodge appointment, and the announce¬ 
ment that W. Bro. Robert Recker was the fortunate indi¬ 
vidual caused the brethren a great deal of pleasure. It was 
learned that M. W. John Stewart, Grand Master, had been 
pleased to appoint W. Bro. Recker a Grand Steward, and 
the lodge appointed a committee to purchase a handsome silk 
apron for presentation to the favored brother. R. W. 
Allan Williams, District Deputy of the Seventh, was re¬ 
quested to present the apron at the meeting of July 7. This 
Bro. Williams did in an eloquent address, calling attention 
to the spirit which animated the brethren in so promptly 
taking advantage of the opportunity to display their regard 
for a brother’s welfare. R. W. Recker thanked the brethren 
for their thoughtfulness in a few well-chosen words. 

The sickle of the grim reaper was busy in the ranks of 
the lodge in 1896, and on August 10 the members assembled 
at eight o’clock in the evening at No. 156 South Fifth Street, 
Williamsburg, to attend the funeral of Bro. William W. 
Walters, aged twenty-eight, who, although young in the lodge, 
had made a host of friends by his manliness. Bro. Wal¬ 
ters had long suffered from consumption, and finally suc¬ 
cumbed on August 8, at Sea Cliff, L. I. In youth Bro. Wal¬ 
ters was a member of the celebrated boy choir of the San 


1896] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


179 


Francisco Minstrels, and afterward travelled extensively with 
various theatrical companies, finally accepting a position as 
treasurer of the People’s Theatre, where he was employed at 
the time of his last illness. Bro. Walters was very popular 
among the theatrical folk. He was initiated in St. Cecile in 
1892, became Junior Warden in 1894 and Senior Warden in 
1895. The interment was in Greenwood. 

Bro. Charles F. Hildebrant, a musician, was in failing 
health and journeyed to the Adirondacks, hoping that life 
among the pines might restore his lungs to their normal con¬ 
dition. He passed away in October, and was taken by rela¬ 
tives to Salem, It. I., for burial. Bro. Hildebrant was 
twenty-nine years of age, and had been a member of the lodge 
since June 3, 1890. 

At the first meeting in December, W. Bro. Myron A. 
Decker, ever desirous that St. Cecile should want for noth¬ 
ing in the way of first-class equipment, presented the lodge 
with a handsome ballot-box. A resolution was promptly 
jiassed accepting the gift and thanking the venerable brother 
for his generosity. 

It was decided to make the meeting of December 15 a sort 
of rally for the old-timers. The third degree was the work, 
and the stations were to be filled, as far as possible, on 
that day with Past Masters of the lodge. It was very 
pleasant to see so many old members together. The chairs 
were filled as follows: B. W. Bro. Becker, W. M.; W. Bro. 
Donogh, S. W.; W. Bro. Curtin, J. W.; W. Bro. Decker, 
S. D.; W. Bro. Larabee, J. D.; W. Bro. Govan, S. M. C.; 
W. Bro. Latham, J. M. C.; W. Bro. Morse, Chaplain; W. 
Bro. Agan, Marshal. W. Bro. Govan described it as “ an 
all-star cast.” The Commandery Boom was comfortably 
filled with appreciative brethren. 

There was little change made in the personnel of the staff 
at the annual election. The reports showed that the lodge was 
growing rapidly, but not abnormally. There were 304 mem¬ 
bers in good standing, and the lodge had over $5,000 at in- 


180 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1897 


terest. Aside from the loss of several valued members by 
death and removal, there was reason to be satisfied with the 
showing made. R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers presided during 
election. W. Bro. C. Edward Low received substantial in¬ 
dorsement of his administration in the shape of unanimous 
re-election, the only change of importance being in the south, 
where Bro. Laurence O’Reilly was succeeded by Bro. John 
A. Nickel. It was decided to install the officers immediately 
after election, and hold an entertainment for the friends in¬ 
dependent of any lodge ceremony. R. W. Bro. Ehlers there¬ 
fore installed the officers at once, R. W. Bro. Decker making 
due proclamation as Grand Marshal. 


1897. 

It was noted with the deepest concern that many of the 
oldest and most faithful members were passing away from 
among the brethren. Some of these had been so regular in 
attendance that they were looked upon as fixtures and were 
quickly missed once they failed to appear. W. Bro. Theodore 
Jacoby was one of the “ old guard ” of the lodge. For nearly 
thirty years he never failed to appear at the call of duty, and 
his features were familiar to all. Quiet, modest, unassuming, 
he was a man of sterling qualities; a splendid musician and 
a faithful teacher of those who sought instruction. In the 
lodge room he was always ready to place his services at the 
disposal of the Master. It was not strange, therefore, that 
the brethren expressed sorrow when they received notice 
to attend his funeral service. W. Bro. Low and a number of 
the brethren met at the residence, in Brooklyn, on Sunday, 
January 10. There were also present members of the De 
Witt Clinton Chapter, No. 142, R. A. M., and others. The 
services were unusually impressive. The interment was in 
Greenwood. Bro. Jacoby was raised in St. Cecile Lodge, 


1897] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


181 


March 2, 1869. He served faithfully in many positions in 
the lodge and was Master in 1880. Though small of stature, 
he was large of heart and no worthy cause passed him un¬ 
aided. 

The committee having secured Chickering Hall for the 
annual entertainment, invitations were sent out, and on 
Tuesday, January 26, the friends and members assembled 

7 t/ 7 

there promptly at two o’clock in the afternoon. The day 
was cold and stormy, hut the interior was comfortable, and 
it was not long before every seat was taken. The programme 
follows: 

Opening Organ Voluntary.Wor. Harry Alton Russell 

Overture—“ Morn, Noon and Night in Vienna ”.Suppe 

Grand Orchestra. Bro. Ernest Neyer, Conductor. 

Recitation (Selected), 

Bro. Felix Morris. 

Solo for Violoncello. 

a. “ In Dreamland,” from “ The Wizard of the Nile ” Victor Herbert 


b. Scherzo.St. Saens 

Mr. Victor Herbert. 

Bro. Maxwell Davidson, Accompanist. 

Ballad—“ A Father’s Love ”.Wallace 

Bro. Henry W. Roe. 

“ After the Election ”.Govan 


Wor. Charles H. Govan. 

Refined Musical Act by the Little Weston Sisters, 
(Daughters of Bro. Sam Weston) 


Song for Tenor—“ Let Me Love Thee ”.Arditi 

Mr. Arthur G. Cunningham. 

Song for Baritone—“ Bantry Bay ”.Molloy 

Mr. Reginald Roberts. 


Solo for Autoharp—Fantasie—“ Blue Bells of Scotland ”... Gery 

Mr. Aldis J. Gery. 

Bro. Fred Solomon .. in Comic Songs 

Mr. and Mrs. William Robyns, 

Presenting “ The Counsel for the Defence.” 










182 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1897 


Ballad (Selected).Bro. Julius P. Witmark 

Accompanied by Emil Katzenstein. 


Violin Solo—“ Fantasia Appassionata ”.Vieuxtemps 

Mr. J. M. Spargur. 

Mrs. Carl Hild, Accompanist. 

Little Alice Keese .Songs and Dances 

America’s Leading Banjoist.Bro. Vess L. Ossman 

Accompanied by Bro. Frank P. Banta. 

Musical Monologue—“ Music Mania ” . . . . Bro. Edward Quinn 

a. “ Annie Laurie ”.Robert Fyfe 


6. Lullaby—“ Sweet and Low ”.Barnby 

By “ St. Cecile ” Brass Quartette. 

Standard Songs, Illustrated.Bro. Frank Harding 

“ The Coast-Guard’s Daughter,” “ The Stowaway,” 

“ The Village Blacksmith.” 


The Committee of Arrangements were R. W. Robert 
Recker, W. Bro. C. E. Low, Bros. Bisnett, Ernest Hever, I. 
Witmark and William B. Clayton, to whom all the credit for 
this very successful affair is properly due. 

Death, even when terminating a long illness, brings mourn¬ 
ing as the friend departs from his suffering. Although W. 
Bro. Michael Schlig had been ailing for a considerable time, 
his death, on February 23, caused a feeling of general sor¬ 
row among his legion of friends. In response to the call of 
the Master the lodge met at the residence, in East Eighty- 
eighth Street. With but one or two exceptions all the officers 
of the lodge were present, besides a very large number of 
brethren. The Masonic service was read by W. Bro. C. Ed¬ 
ward Low, assisted by the Wardens and brethren. Bro. 
Harry W. Roe sang “ Hearer, My God, to Thee,” after 
which there was music by a quartet of brass instruments. 
The pallbearers were Bros. Edward Quinn, James M. Em- 
bree, John E. Dobbs, George E. Duller, Henry Braham and 
William B. Clayton, all of St. Cecile Lodge. The body was 
followed to the grave by a great gathering of friends, 
led by a band of one hundred musicians who had promptly 









1897 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


183 


volunteered for the occasion. The great cortege attracted the 
notice of hundreds of people. At the following meeting of 
the lodge resolutions of condolence were adopted, copies of 
which were sent to the family, and a page in the lodge records 
was set apart as a memorial. A short biographical sketch of 
W. Bro. Schlig will be found on a preceding page. 

On the day that W. Bro. Schlig passed away the wife of 
W. Bro. Govan died suddenly of heart failure under pecul¬ 
iarly distressing circumstances. The sincere sympathy of 
his many friends went out to the genial elocutionist in the 
hour of his affliction and the lodge adopted resolutions of 
condolence. 

The third death in the year was that of another past execu¬ 
tive officer, a charter member of the lodge, W. Bro. George 
F. Ilsley, aged seventy-three, who died at his residence, in 
Brooklyn, on March 13. By request of the family there were 
no Masonic services. He was one of the founders of St. Cecile 
Lodge, being the second signer of the petition for a charter. 
That he felt a genuine love for the lodge is manifested in 
many ways in the minutes of the period during which he 
served as Secretary. 

While the brethren were speculating upon the mysterious 
coincidence of the death of three Past Masters within as 
many months they were startled by intelligence that still 
another had occurred, making the fourth Master to be re¬ 
moved by death within the short space of twelve weeks. W. 
Bro. Edward Hopkins was the last, having laid down the 
working tools of life and passed into the shadows April 6. 
W. Bro. Hopkins served as Master from 1875 to 1877. He 
had not visited St. Cecile for many years before his death. 

As the time drew near for the annual session of the Grand 
Lodge, the first Tuesday of June, preparations were made 
in accordance with the request of the Grand Master to prop¬ 
erly assist in the opening ceremonies. Quite an elaborate 
musical programme was prepared under direction of K. W.. 
Robert Becker, Grand Steward. It was as follows: 


184 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1897 


GRAND LODGE F. & A. M. 

State of New York. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, 

June 1, 1897. 

M. W. John Stewart, Grand Master. 

OPENING EXERCISES 

BY 

ST. CECILE LODGE, No. 568, F. & A. M. 

C. E. Low, W. M. 

W. Bro. II. A. Russell, Organist of the Grand Lodge. 

Music under the Direction of 
R. W. Robert Recker, Grand Steward. 

The Grand Lodge Processional March.Russell 

(Organ with Military Band Accompaniment.) 

Salutation. 

(a) Evening Star Song.Wagner 

(Vocal Solo and Brass Quartette with Organ Accompaniment.) 

(&) Fidelity.A Masonic Song 

Bro. H. W. Roe and Quartette. 

“ And so the Masons’ songs arise up to the Father’s Throne, 

And blend their heart-warm melodies , as in the ages gone.” 

(Gratefully inscribed to R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Sec¬ 
retary, by M. W. Rob’t Morris, Masonic Poet Laureate. 

Music by R. W. Robert Recker, Grand Steward.) 

Opening Ceremonies. 

Prayer.Grand Chaplain 

(a) “Beauty’s Eyes” .Tosti 

(&) “ Come Into the Garden, Maude ”.Balfe 

Bro. Albert Gerard Thiers of St. Cecile Lodge. 

Hallelujah Chorus—Grand Organ with Military Band . . . Handel 

Chorus (Old 100th).By Members of St. Cecile Lodge 

Brethren are requested to rise and unite in singing: 

“ Be thou, 0 God, exalted high. 

And as Thy glory fills the sky 
So shall it be on earth displayed 
Till Thou art here as there obeyed.” 

Proclamation.H. B. Pruser, Grand Marshal 

(With fanfare of Trumpets.) 










1897 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


185 


As may be inferred, this fine musical offering appealed to 
the artistic sense of members of the Grand Lodge, and com¬ 
plimentary remarks were heard on all sides. After the con¬ 
clusion of the programme the brethren of St. Cecile retired 
to the Commandery Room, which had been obtained for the 
day, and resumed labor in the third degree, R. W. Robert 
Recker delivering a splendid lecture upon the symbolism of 
the Master Mason’s degree. 

Misfortune seemed to follow members of the lodge during 
this year. A distressing accident which resulted in serious 
injuries to Bro. John Stromberg, was brought to the attention 
of the lodge in June. The popular composer was seriously 
injured by a runaway horse, and was removed to his home 
in Woonsocket, R. I. In August Bro. Joseph Davidoff lost 
his beloved wife by death, and two weeks later Bro. John A. 
Nickel, Junior Warden, met with a similar bereavement. 
As these circumstances occurred the lodge passed resolutions 
expressing the sympathy of the members with their unfor¬ 
tunate comrades. Bro. E. P. Chase, organist in 1893-94, was 
reported seriously ill at his residence, in Yonkers, and on 
November 1 he died. Bro. J. C. Barnes was also reported 
seriously ill. Three days before Christmas one brother was 
taken to the Hahnemann Hospital with a broken leg, and the 
lodge was kept busy looking after various unfortunates during 
the entire year. 

At the annual meeting, on December 21, the Secretary read 
the following: 

To the Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, 
No. 568. 

Brethren —Herewith I make application for a dimit, which you will 
please send to Ridgewood Lodge, No. 210, Brooklyn, when notice of my 
election to membership is received from that lodge. With the highest 
esteem for the members of my mother lodge, I remain, fraternally yours, 

Laurence O’Reilly. 

It was with feelings of the deepest regret that the elder 
members of St. Cecile voted to grant this request. Aside 


186 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1897 


from personal esteem for Bro. O’Reilly, who had been asso¬ 
ciated with the brethren from the beginning of the lodge, it 
was a matter of no small importance to lose one who had been 
for so many years concerned in all the work of the lodge 
and who was undoubtedly, with one exception, the best in¬ 
formed member on lodge affairs on the roll. Bro. Laurence 
O’Reilly was the first petitioner for the degrees after St. 
Cecile received its charter, July, 1865. He was accepted for 
membership and his was the eighteenth name on the roll. He 
took great interest in the lodge for many years. In 1865-66 
he was Senior Master of Ceremonies; in 1867, Marshal; in 
1876, Junior Master of Ceremonies; from 1879 to 1889, Sec¬ 
retary; in 1893, Trustee; in 1896, Junior Warden. Bro. 
O’Reilly was born in Dublin, Ireland, April 11, 1836, and 
was left an orphan at an early age. He took lessons in music 
from his brother Michael while at the same time learning the 
trade of book binding. He came to America in 1858, and 
enlisted in the Sixth Infantry, U. S. A., as band musician. 
He was a participant in the Third Utah Expedition, which 
marched on foot 2,600 miles through a wilderness to Benicia 
Barracks, Cal. He was under fire at Gaines’ Mill, Malvern 
Hill, Bull Run, Antietam and other battles. Bro. O’Reilly 
studied the German language while in the army, becoming 
proficient. After the war he was for many years a member 
of the various theatre orchestras of this city. He became 
secretary of the Musical Union in 1890, and has long occu¬ 
pied a clerical position in Brooklyn. Long association with 
the members, familiarity with the usages and traditions of the 
craft and his unquestioned integrity made Bro. O’Reilly an 
exceedingly valuable official in whatsoever capacity he was 
called upon to serve. It is a pleasure to record the fact that 
though this brother’s membership is in a lodge nearer to his 
home, he has never lost interest in St. Cecile, and when his 
advanced age permits he invariably takes advantage of each 
opportunity to visit his mother lodge. The writer is under 
many obligations to Bro. O’Reilly in the preparation of this 





WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1896-1897. 







1898 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


187 


work, he having cheerfully placed at the disposal of the Histo¬ 
rian many important documents and data otherwise unob¬ 
tainable. 

The receipts of the year as shown by the reports were 
$2,289.05; expenses, $1,644, leaving a balance of $645.05 to 
be added to the general fund. During the year there were 
eighteen new names added to the roll, and the attendance at 
meetings had been generally very large. W. Bro. Low de¬ 
clined a re-election and the brethren unanimously named 
Bro. A. J. Bisnett for Master, Bro. John A. Nickel for 
Senior Warden, and Bro. William B. Clayton for Junior 
Warden. W. Bro. Ehlers presided during the voting and 
the lodge decided to publicly install the officers in the Grand 
Lodge Hall. 


1898. 

W. Bro. A. J. Bisnett (Printer).—Raised in St. Cecile 
Lodge, No. 568, April 21, 1891. Junior Warden, 1892; 
Senior Warden, 1893-96-97; Master, 1898-99. Dropped 
from the roll, January 29, 1907. 

Friends of the lodge were invited to the ceremony of in¬ 
stalling the officers, which took place Tuesday, January 11, 
in the Grand Lodge Hall, R. W. Edward M. Ehlers act¬ 
ing as Grand Master. Before the beginning of the ceremonies 
of installation there was a very enjoyable concert by the 
Twenty-second Regiment Band, Mr. Victor Herbert conduc¬ 
tor, during which there were played several selections from 
Mr. Herbert’s popular compositions, including “ The Sere¬ 
nade.” The installation then followed and was observed 
with the greatest interest by the audience. Following this 
there was another concert, by Bro. Ernest Neyer’s orchestra. 
Several entertaining features were introduced by Bro. Fred 
Solomon, Bro. Julius P. Witmark, Bro. Louis Mann, 
Miss Josephine Sabel, Bro. Henry Roe, and others. Mem- 


188 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1898 


bers of the Entertainment Committee were Bros. N. D. Mann, 
William B. Clayton, Ernest Neyer, James H. Curtin and H. 
Hammerstein. In the hall there was standing room only, 
and the affair was in every respect successful. 

It became known in the lodge that on March 9 Bro. Thomas 
S. Nedham, charter Junior Warden of St. Cecile, would 
celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding. A com¬ 
mittee, consisting of W. Bros. Myron A. Decker, William H. 
Donogh, C. E. Low, Robert Recker and Bro. Henry Roe, was 
appointed to wait upon the venerable brother. A beautiful 
basket of roses and a letter of congratulation accompanied the 
committee. These were presented to Bro. Nedham as a slight 
token from the brethren with whom he had been so long 
associated in the lodge room. A pleasant evening was spent, 
and subsequently the lodge received a letter of thanks from 
the happy brother, which was ordered spread in full upon 
the minutes. 

Among the appointments made by the Master was that of 
Bro. Charles Miller Williams as Historian. Bro. Williams 
was made a Mason in St. Cecile Lodge June 2, 1891, and 
had served upon many committees, but declined to accept 
office, owing to frequent absences from the city, until ap¬ 
pointed Historian, a position to which he has been annually 
reappointed ever since. He began collecting data for the 
present work, and all the Past Masters of the lodge for the 
previous twenty-five years were interviewed. The manuscript 
was prepared in leisure moments since 1903. Bro. Wil¬ 
liams was born in Allegheny City, Pa., April 19, 1858, the 
eldest son of a well-known manufacturer of agricultural im¬ 
plements, who was a Mason of many years’ standing. He is 
a nephew of Brigadier-General Constant Williams, IT. S. A., 
and the family was among the early settlers in Pittsburg. 
After a season in the public schools, Bro. Williams spent 
about two years at the State Normal Academy for Teachers 
in West Virginia, and then engaged in the wholesale hard¬ 
ware business, followed by newspaper writing and various 


1898 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


189 


occupations, travelling through the West and South, finally 
becoming a printer. He joined Pittsburg Union, Hq. 7, in 
1880, since which time he has continuously carried a mem¬ 
bership card, finding steady employment in the large job and 
newspaper offices, and occasionally writing for the press. In 
addition to St. Cecile Lodge, Bro. Williams is a member of 
Columbian Council, Ho. 1; Constitution Chapter, Ho. 230; 
Ivanhoe Commandery, Ho. 36, and Mecca Temple, and was 
for years connected with the Clio Literary Club, Allegheny 
City Gymnastic Club, Eighteenth Regiment, H. G. P.; I. O. 
O. F., American Mechanics, etc. 

As ten years had passed since the by-laws had been re¬ 
vised, it was deemed advisable to appoint a committee to go 
over them and make such changes as were necessary to meet 
existing conditions. The committee consisted of W. Bro. 
Myron A. Decker, R. W. Robert Recker, W. Bro. C. E. Low, 
W. Bro. A. J. Bisnett and Bro. “ Harry ” Roe. 


MOZART LODGE OF PHILADELPHIA AGAIN VISITS. 

Although St. Cecile is not much given to visiting other 
lodges, owing to the difficulty of finding time to do so at 
night, the brethren are usually never so happy as when acting 
as host to any who may choose to visit St. Cecile. A letter 
was received in February from Past Master C. G. Cadwal- 
lader, of Mozart Lodge, Ho. 436, of Philadelphia, in which 
he intimated a desire on the part of that lodge to pay another 
visit to St. Cecile, the first visit having been at the time of the 
laying of the corner-stone of the Temple in 1870. A 
cordial invitation was thereupon extended to the Philadel¬ 
phians and March 29 was set as the day for their visit. A 
committee was appointed to make arrangements for enter¬ 
taining the visitors. They came to the metropolis in a special 
train, which was met by the Master and officers of St. Cecile, 
acting as a reception committee. The visitors were led by 


190 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1898 


W. Bro. James Buchanan, Master of Mozart Lodge, and 
numbered one hundred and eighty-two, including many prom¬ 
inent Masons of the Keystone State. They were a particu¬ 
larly fine looking body of men, and attracted no little atten¬ 
tion as they marched to the Temple. The Commanderv 
Room was radiant with decorations. The reception of the 
visitors by the Master and brethren was an inspiring spec¬ 
tacle. After several speeches expressive of fraternal esteem 
an orchestra rendered a number of popular airs, which were 
followed with vocal music by a fine double quartet from 
Mozart Lodge. Then there was a quartet of brass horns, 
played by brethren of St. Cecile, in a number of choice clas¬ 
sical selections, after which W. Bro. Govan told some of his 
best stories, and Bro. McGilquin, of Mozart Lodge, amused 
the brethren by his facetious remarks upon current topics. 
The work of the day was the third degree, the Pennsylvanian 
brethren evidently finding much in the ceremonies to interest 
them. The afternoon was far spent when the closing exer¬ 
cises were reached. It was understood that the visitors had 
arranged with the railroad officials for an early return to 
Philadelphia; a substantial repast had been prepared in 
the adjoining banquet room, and thither the brethren went. 
An exceedingly pleasant social hour quickly passed while par¬ 
taking of the viands. The visitors were then escorted to 
their train, departing with many fraternal expressions of re¬ 
gard. An earnest invitation was subsequently received to 
visit Mozart Lodge in the Quaker City, but it was not thought 
practicable at the time to accept. 

It would be indeed difficult to find one more sincerely de¬ 
voted to the best interests of St. Cecile Lodge than is the 
efficient Secretary of the Grand Lodge, R. W. Edward M. L. 
Elders. Certainly none stands higher in the esteem of the 
brethren of St. Cecile. A proposal at this time to elect him 
to honorary membership in the lodge met with enthusiastic 
approval. A committee, consisting of W. Bros. Myron A. 
Decker, C. Edward Low and Bro. “ Harry ” W. Roe, was ap- 


1898 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


191 


pointed to prepare suitable resolutions and to inform Bro. 
Ehlers of his preferment. At the meeting of May 17 the 
distinguished Secretary was invited to visit the Tuscan Room. 
He was received with honors and escorted to a seat beside the 
presiding officer. The Master then spoke of the affection of 
the brethren of the lodge for Bro. Ehlers and their desire 
to do him honor, concluding by informing him of his election 
to honorary membership. Bro. Ehlers replied earnestly, ex¬ 
pressing his love for the fraternity at large, and especially 
for St. Cecile. The Grand Lodge of 1901, as a complimen¬ 
tary testimonial to his worth, conferred upon Bro. Ehlers the 
honorary degree of Most Worshipful Grand Master, a tribute 
particularly pleasing to his hosts of friends. It was in 
Continental Lodge, Ho. 287, in 1865, that Colonel Ehlers 
was raised, the event occurring in the same year with 
the birth of St. Cecile. Bro. Ehlers was Master of his 
lodge four years; District Deputy Grand Master, Sixth Ma¬ 
sonic District, one year; Grand Marshal, one year; Represen¬ 
tative of the Grand Lodge of Denmark, fourteen years; 
Grand Secretary, from December 8, 1881, to date. 

NEW LEGISLATION OF IMPORTANCE. 

The report of the Committee on Revision of By-laws was 
presented to the lodge, with recommendations. After the 
requisite constitutional notice, on June 21, the by-laws were 
taken up seriatum and adopted as a whole. The articles pro¬ 
voking the most discussion were the following, which were 
eventually adopted: 


ARTICLE X. 

CHARITY FUND. 

Sec. 1.—The Charity Fund of the Lodge shall be for the benefit of 
members who may be in distress, or their widows and orphans. This Fund 
shall at all times be in charge of the Master and Wardens of the Lodge. 

Sec. 2.—This specific Fund shall be created by withdrawing from our 
regular Lodge fund the sum of four thousand dollars, reserving five hun¬ 
dred dollars as a sinking fund, the remainder (three thousand five hundred 


192 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


LI 898 


dollars) to be placed at interest on First Mortgage Bond at not less than 
four and one-half per cent, per annum, and the interest to be paid semi¬ 
annually into the Sinking Fund. 

Sec. 3.—In order to keep the Fund intact, the sum of fifteen per cent, 
of the dues and initiations paid by each member shall be paid over to the 
Sinking Fund at the end of each Masonic year. 

Sec. 4.—No moneys shall be drawn from the Sinking Fund except as 
hereafter provided, viz.: As soon as the Lodge is notified of the death 
of a Brother, the Custodians of the Fund shall at once pay the sum of 
One Hundred Dollars to the nearest of kin, and report the same to the 
Lodge at its first Communication thereafter. 

Sec. 5. —No Brother shall be entitled to receive any benefits from this 
fund who shall be over one year in arrears for dues at the time of his 
death. The Lodge may, however, vote to assist the deceased Brother's 
family, if found to be in need. 

Sec. G.—The amount comprising the Sinking Fund—five hundred dol¬ 
lars—shall be deposited in the name of the Master and Wardens in some 
banking or trust company that will pay three per cent, interest, and 
subject to check ; and no money can be drawn for any purpose without 
the signature of the Master and Wardens. 

Sec. 7.—All moneys or property derived from any source, either by gift, 
bequest, or devise, shall be added to the charity fund. 

ARTICLE XI. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 

Sec. 1.—Any Brother who has been a member in good standing in this 
Lodge for twenty-one consecutive years, shall forever be exempt from all 
dues, except Grand Lodge dues, and shall be entitled to receive a Gold 
Medal of Honor with his name suitably inscribed thereon as a gift from 
St. Cecile Lodge. 

Sec. 2.—He shall also be entitled to have his name suitably engrossed 
in the Roll of Honor Book of St. Cecile Lodge, which shall give the 
Masonic history of the Brother, and the particular services he has ren¬ 
dered to the Lodge during his Twenty-one Years of Membership. 

Sec. 3.—He shall be entitled to be received at all times and welcomed 
by the Master as a Loyal and Honored Veteran Member of St. Cecile 
Lodge. 

There was an immense number of brethren at the meeting 
of December 6, on the occasion of the official visit of R. W. 
Leonard G. Starbuck, District Deputy of the Seventh, who 
was accompanied by a large delegation. Aside from the 
splendid address of the District Deputy the ritualistic work 
performed this day was superb and elicited much praise from 


1898 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


193 


the visitors. During refreshment there was a notable array 
of talent, including Bro. Fred Solomon, Bro. Jefferson De 
Angelis, W. Bro. Govan and Bro. “ Harry ” Roe. Bro. Her¬ 


man Perlet wielded the baton 
chestra, made up as follows: 

Bro. LOUIS W. BEGIEBING, 

“ W. LLOYD BOWRON, 

“ LOUIS EGNER, 

“ CARL KNUST, 

“ GAETANO M. PINTO, 

•• ISAAC WESSEL, Violins. 

“ JOSEPH LAENDNER, 

“ CHARLES BORGMAN, Violas. 

“ JOHN F. MUNDWYLER, Cello. 

“ A. C. A. HELLEBERG, 

“ F. SCHUCHMANN, Basses. 

“ CARLO DE CHIARA. Oboe. 

“ GEORGE FULLER, Trombone. 


over an exceptionally fine or- 


Bro. FRED. J. SEE, 

“ ANTHONY PINTO, Flutes. 

“ A. P. CERILLO, 

“ FRANK STRETZ, Clarinets. 

“ GEORGE LOESCH, 

“ HERMAN ZILM, Horns. 

“ HERBERT L. CLARKE, 

“ THOMAS BAUGH, Cornets. 

“ MARTIN J. SCHLIG, Tympani. 

W. Bro. HARRY A. RUSSELL, 

BRO. ALBERT KRAUSSE, 

“ WM. E. FREDERICKS, 

Accompanists. 


The entertainment gratuitously given to their lodge by 
these artists would have cost a large sum to duplicate any¬ 
where else. Some of those playing were conductors of or¬ 
chestra themselves, others were soloists of renown and the 
names of many of them are favorably known to music lovers 
everywhere. Yet these brethren gave their valuable services 
freely to St. Cecile and considered it an honor as well as a 
great pleasure to do so. Bros. Joseph Greenbaum, William 
B. Clayton and George Loesch, the committee, received many 
compliments upon the character of the talent provided, and 
by a rising vote the thanks of the lodge were given to all 
those contributing. 

One of the new by-laws enacted in June exempted from 
further payment of dues, except Grand Lodge assessments, 
all members in good standing in the lodge for twenty-one 
years or more. Upon examination of the books it was learned 
that eighteen were entitled to this exemption, which also en¬ 
titled them to the gold medal of honor with which such worthy 
members were to be decorated. As no one had suggested any 
particular design for these medals, it was decided to refer 
the matter to a committee which should recommend for adop¬ 
tion something appropriate. The committee named by 


194 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1898 


the Master was R. W. Robert Recker, W. Bro. James H. 
Curtin and Bro. R. W. Ryer. The appointment of this com¬ 
mittee brought on a discussion in regard to several of the 
by-laws recently adopted by the lodge, some of which had 
caused considerable talk among the members individually. 
As a result of the renewed discussion in the lodge a resolu¬ 
tion was adopted summoning the brethren to take further 
action in the matter, and on February 21 another revision of 
the by-laws took place. The whole of Article XI., relating 
to the exemption of veteran members from the payment of 
dues, together with everything pertaining to the gold medals, 
was ordered stricken from the by-laws. An attempt was 
made to increase the amount of initiation to $50, but after 
consideration of the question in all its bearings the resolution 
was lost. 

Among the deaths of the year were those of Bro. Charles 
F. Bussing, who died February 23, fifteen years after sign¬ 
ing the roll; Bro. Albert Erfurth, a well known musician, who 
died October 8; Bro. Christian Michl, one of the “ old 
guard,” who died November 16, after being a faithful mem¬ 
ber since March 29, 1870; Bro. Hilmar A. Himmelreich, 
also a musician, who died December 5, and Bro. John Win¬ 
ter, who died in Buffalo, December 16. The lodge also lost 
several valued members by dimit, among them Bro. Laurence 
O’Reilly, whose leaving has already been referred to. 

There was practically no change made in the official roster 
at the annual election, except that Bro. Harry Greene became 
Junior Warden, and Bro. William B. Clayton moved to the 
west, taking the place of Bro. Nickel, who declined to accept 
any office, owing to the demands of his business, which pre¬ 
vented regular attendance. Immediately after the election 
the officers were installed in their several stations by R. W. 
Robert Recker, assisted by W. Bro. Charles Hotmer, of Cope- 
stone Lodge. The receipts for dues at this communication 
shattered all previous records of St. Cecile. There was paid 
to the Secretary for dues alone $499.75, a very good indica- 


1899 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


195 


tion of the interest taken in the lodge by the members. A 
committee was appointed to arrange for an entertainment, to 
be given January 27. Those named were Bro. Joseph Green- 
baum, William B. Clayton, George Loesch, W. Bro. James 
Curtin and K. W. Robert Recker. 


1899. 

An interesting relic was presented to the lodge in 1899 by 
Bro. Louis Baer, who had returned after a long sojourn in 
Boston, Mass. When the old “tea-party house” in that city was 
demolished he secured a piece of the woodwork from it, upon 
which he had Masonic emblems carved to make it an appro¬ 
priate gift for St. Cecile. The gift was accepted as a valuable 
souvenir, and Bro. Baer received a vote of thanks for his 
thoughtfulness. 

The customary annual entertainment took place at the 
Star Theatre, on Broadway, Friday afternoon, January 27. 
The house was crowded with the members and their friends, 
who gave evidences of their pleasure. The programme was 
long, and various attractive features were presented. As 
usual, there were many professional brethren in the audi¬ 
ence, with their families, and the opportunity of witnessing 
a performance from the “ front ” was a pleasure thoroughly 
appreciated by them. 

PROGRAMME. 

Petit Concert, Seventh Regiment Band, Bro. Ernest Neyer, Conductor. 


(а) “Merry Wives of Windsor”.Nicola 

(б) Cornet Solo—“ Fantasie Brilliant ”.Hartman 

Bro. Holly W. Wilder. 

(c) Selection—“Fortune Teller”.Herbert 

Miss Clara Bernetta, Soprano Solo, “ L’lncantatrice ” . . . . Arditi 

Bro. Felix Morris, “ A Game of Cards,” 


Assisted by Bro. John Findlay, Miss Rachael Crothers and 
Mr. Foster Lardner. 





196 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1899 


Bro. Lew Dockstader, of Primrose & Dockstader Minstrels. 

Bro. Thomas Whiffen—“ My Friend the Major.” 

Assisted by Miss Adelaide Keim and Miss Blanche Kelleher. 

Overture—Selections from “ Hurly Burly ”.Stromberg 

Director, Bro. John Stromberg. 

Mr. Thomas Boyd McQueen, Aria for tenor, from “ Queen of Sheba,” 

Gounod 

Mr. Harry B. Lester, in “ A Vassal* Boy.” 

Miss Carrie Scott—Songs. 

Mr. Charles Saxon and Miss Florence Brooks—Operatic Duets. 

Musical Director, Bro. Charles Borgman. 

Accompanist, W. Bro. Harry A. Russell. 

Many guests present thought this the finest entertainment 
ever given by the lodge. One of the notable features was the 
presence of Bro. Ernest Heyer and his famous Seventh Regi¬ 
ment Band of sixty men in uniform, who were liberally ap¬ 
plauded. Bro. Charles Borgman and his orchestra of twenty- 
eight musicians also received great applause. The lodge 
passed a special vote of thanks to all those contributing, and 
the committee was complimented upon its successful efforts. 

MANY VALUED MEMBERS LOST BY DEATH. 

But the season of pleasure was tempered with sorrow. 
While the guests of the lodge were passing the afternoon in 
innocent amusement the Master, Secretary and several 
brethren were gathered about the bier of Bro. Charles R. 
Young, who had suddenly expired Jan. 24. Bro. Young 
was a police officer who joined the lodge in March, 1893. 
The Masonic service was read by the Master and Bro. Harry 
Roe sang “ Hearer, My God, to Thee.” The interment was 
in Woodlawn. Thus does St. Cecile, in a spirit of truest 
charity, provide pleasure for the living while binding up the 
wounds of the stricken, sympathizing with the mourner and 
burying the dead. 

A hero who fell at his post of duty was Bro. Frederick 
W. Eabricus, M.D., TJ. S. A., who was raised in St. Cecile 



1899 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


197 


Lodge in March, 1896. When war with Spain was declared 
Dr. Fabricus was one of the first volunteers. He was sent to 
Fort Monroe as assistant surgeon in the army, afterward serv¬ 
ing in Cuba, where he was pathologist and bacteriologist in 
the General Hospital at Santiago. He was zealous in fight¬ 
ing the yellow fever among the soldiers, but fell a victim 
himself, and died Sunday, June 26. He was buried by his 
comrades with military honors, a martyr to duty. A page 
was set apart to his memory in the lodge records. 

There were eleven deaths among members of the lodge 
during the year. In addition to the loss of Bros. Young and 
Fabricus, Bro. Judson C. Smith, a physician, died January 
28, at his residence. Masonic services were conducted by the 
Master and brethren. 

Bro. Samuel T. Jack, well-known theatrical manager, died 
at his residence April 27. Masonic services were largely at¬ 
tended by members of St. Cecile Lodge, Corinthian Chapter, 
B. A. M., and other organizations of which the deceased had 
been a member. 

Bro. James W. Hart died June 11, in the State Hospital at 
Poughkeepsie. 

Bro. Charles Petit died July 13, at the Seton Hospital. 
Masonic services were held by the ]odge, after which the body 
was sent to Carlisle, Pa., where on Saturday, July 15, at four 
o’clock in the afternoon, additional services were held by 
Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, the interment being in 
Ashland Cemetery. 

In the death of Bro. Ernest Never, at St. Luke’s Hospital, 
on August 30, the lodge lost one of the most popular men 
ever recruited from the ranks of the musicians. Bro. Neyer 
served during the Civil War as a drummer in the Ninth 
Regiment Band, of which his father was also a member. 
Later he succeeded Bro. Harvey B. Dodworth as leader of 
the Twenty-second Regiment Band, making way in turn for 
Gilmore. At the time of his death Bro. Neyer was leader 
of the Seventh Regiment Band. He was also orchestra 


198 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1899 


leader at the Broadway Theatre, and the services of his or¬ 
chestra were in constant demand for large social functions. 
At no time did he require urging to place himself and his 
men at the disposal of St. Cecile Lodge, as he had done at 
the annual entertainment in January. Bro. Neyer w r as 
initiated in St. Cecile Lodge in the spring of 1873 and signed 
the by-laws June 11. In 1898 friends induced him to apply 
for membership in a German Lodge, Trinity, but before he 
consummated his membership with that lodge his love for 
St. Cecile overcame his resolution and he reconsidered his 
intention to dimit. Bro. Neyer’s funeral was an occasion of 
profuse musical display. Inside the church an orchestra of 
one hundred and fifty instruments and a grand choir took 
part in the services and as the body was removed from the 
sanctuary the Seventh Regiment Band rendered appropriate 
airs. The pall-hearers ivere the Colonel and officers of the 
Seventh Regiment. At the grave there were military honors. 
At the request of the family there were no Masonic services, 
although the Master and many members of the lodge were 
present. 

Bro. Edward E. Williams, a member of the lodge from 
June, 1873, died October 14. 

Bro. Charles Wright, a popular newspaper foreman, well 
known to many printers, met a violent death by being jostled 
from the elevated railroad structure in Brooklyn on October 
22. The Masonic services conducted by the lodge were very 
largely attended. 

Bro. William E. Fredericks died November 17. Masonic 
services being held at the residence by the lodge, Bro. Harry 
Roe sang and there was instrumental music by brethren. 

Bro. William Rowell died suddenly on Sunday, December 
17. The lodge met at the residence, in East Eighty-seventh 
Street, on December 20, and Masonic services were conducted 
by the Master. There was appropriate music by a large band. 

Among the illustrious names which have from time to 
time adorned the annals of Freemasonry none is more con- 


1899 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


199 


spicuous than that of General George Washington, the 
u Father of his Country/’ who died at Mount Vernon, Va., 
December 14, 1799, after an illness of two days. In order 
to fittingly express their sorrow the Masons of the national 
capital two weeks later held elaborate ceremonies on Decem¬ 
ber 31 at four o’clock in the afternoon. In commemoration 
of these services of one hundred years previous the Most 
Worshipful Grand Master called upon the brethren of the 
State of Hew York to assemble at their various places of 
worship on Sunday afternoon, December 31, and hold me¬ 
morial services. The brethren of the Sixth and Seventh Dis¬ 
tricts met in Vesey Street at half-past three in the afternoon 
and, properly clothed, marched in procession to St. Paul’s 
Chapel, where appropriate services were held. St. Cecile 
turned out a comparatively small contingent. 

Some very effective flashlight pictures were taken in the 
lodge room by Bro. Abraham Symmons, who generously 
presented copies to members. A resolution of thanks was 
extended him by the lodge. 

The year 1899 was an unfortunate one for the lodge in 
many respects. Hot only were there an unusual number of 
deaths and calls for assistance, but for the first time in thir¬ 
teen years the expenditures exceeded the receipts. When 
the Treasurer’s report was read at the annual communication 
it was found that the lodge had run behind $150 during the 
year. 

R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was invited to preside during 
the election, a privilege which, he declares, always gives him 
pleasure. Bro. William B. Clayton, the Senior Warden, well 
known among musicians as the manager and confidential sec¬ 
retary of Mr. Victor Herbert, was selected to preside during 
the year. His principal lieutenants were W. Bro. Theodore 
Thieler, Senior Warden, and Bro. Horatio T. Hoyes, Junior 
Warden. Bro. Ehlers kindly consented to install the new 
officers, which he did in faultless style. An entertainment 
committee was appointed, consisting of W. Bro. James H. 


200 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1899 


Curtin, R. W. Robert Recker, Bro. George Loesch, Bro. 
Horatio I. Hoyes and Bro. Philip S. Friedenberg, and it was 
resolved to obtain Chickering Hall, for February 27, if pos¬ 
sible. 


Remarkable strides characterized the progress of the lodge 
during the nineties. A spirit of enthusiasm before unknown 
seemed to take possession of the brethren during the latter 
part of the eighties. This admirable quality, when properly 
reinforced by energy, becomes a force before which inaction 
or failure flees in dismay. Wisdom in choosing officers of 
known executive ability had much to do with the great suc¬ 
cess of these years. A poor choice for leader at a critical 
period has been known to check, and even destroy, what 
seemed a foregone success. Fortunately no such contingency 
at any time confronted St. Cecile Lodge. From 1890 to 
1899 the membership more than doubled, increasing from 
157 Master Masons in good standing at the beginning of the 
decade to 342 at the close, a net gain of 185 members in ten 
years. Of these the musicians increased from 123 in 1890 
to 192 in 1899; the printers from 16 to 81, and the actors 
from 41 to 82. The gain was general all along the line. 
Financially, it was much the same. The receipts of 1889 
were $1,080.50, those of 1899 were $2,509.00. Complete 
statistics for all the years will be found elsewhere in this 
volume. The impetus given in these years by the infusion of 
new blood has carried St. Cecile nearly to the goal of being 
the leading lodge of the Seventh Masonic District, only one 
other being greater in membership. 



1900] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


201 


IN THE TWENTIETH 
CENTURY. 


Such is the use and noble end of friendship, 
To bear a part in every storm of fate, 

And, by dividing, make the lighter weight. 

— Higgins. 


1900. 

W. Bro. William B. Clayton (Musical Business Man¬ 
ager).—Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, June 30, 
1891. Senior Master of Ceremonies, 1893-97; Junior Dea¬ 
con, 1894; Senior Deacon, 1895; Junior Warden, 1898; 
Senior Warden, 1899; Master, 1900. 

In W. Bro. William B. Clayton the lodge not only secured an experi¬ 
enced business manager for presiding officer, but an exceedingly popular 
one as well, who probably knows personally every musician of importance 
in the United States. His long association in a confidential capacity 
with the late Mr. P. S. Gilmore, and since then with Mr. Victor Herbert, 
has brought him in personal contact with the very best artists before the 
public. His tactful manner of transacting business is proverbial and 
has won for him the genuine affection of all with whom he has associ¬ 
ated. In St. Cecile Lodge he speedily became acquainted with the brethren 
of every walk in life and impressed all with his sincerity. As an officer 
of the lodge he maintained the high standard for which St. Cecile is 
famous. W. Bro. Clayton was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1862, being 
the son of a Mason and one of a family of fourteen. Early in life he 
became a musician, playing the B flat clarinet. He went to London, 
where he found employment in a music engraving concern. On his return 
to America he met Mr. P. S. Gilmore on shipboard, who took a fancy to 
him, and engaged him as private secretary, and it was not long before he 
was intrusted with important details of the great musical organization. 
Since the death of Mr. Gilmore W. Bro. Clayton has acted in a similar 
capacity for Mr. Victor Herbert, the composer. He is the proud possessor 



202 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1900 


of a beautiful watch presented to him by Mrs. Gilmore as a memento of the 
deceased bandmaster. It is safe to say there is no more popular band 
manager in the country than W. Bro. “ Billy ” Clayton. 

Thirty-five years had passed since first St. Cecile Lodge 
took her place among the Masonic bodies of the metropolis, 
and the dawn of the twentieth century found her grown to 
a sturdy stature. The years which had elapsed were filled 
with varied experiences. Few of the brethren who had 
started on the journey at the beginning remained to tell of 
the early days of the lodge, but the good seed sown by the 
pioneers was reaped in the present prosperity. 

The first death recorded among the members in the new 
year was that of Bro. Felix Morris, the popular actor, who 
died January 15. At the request of the family there was 
no Masonic ceremony, but many members of the lodge at¬ 
tended the religious service in All Saints’ Unitarian Church 
two days later. Bro. Morris affiliated from Elgin Lodge, 
Montreal, Canada, May 29, 1888. He was a courtly gentle¬ 
man of the old school, who achieved a wide celebrity as a 
character actor, ranking with the best in his profession. Bro. 
Morris had often volunteered his services for lodge enter¬ 
tainments. 

Among the eminent brethren welcomed by the Master in 
January was M. W. Bro. Ilowland, P. G. M. of Nova Scotia, 
who addressed the lodge in regard to Masonic work. He de¬ 
livered a pleasing review of Masonry in the provinces and 
extended a cordial invitation to the brethren to make them¬ 
selves known when visiting there. 

It is doubtful if Chickering Hall ever held a greater audi¬ 
ence than on February 27, the occasion being the annual 
reception by St. Cecile to some of its multitude of friends. 
The entertainment began with a concert by Bro. Lederhaus’’ 
Squadron A Band, followed by a vaudeville performance in 
which there were an exhibition of the mystifications of leger¬ 
demain, comical remarks and songs by Bro. Charley Sey¬ 
mour, soprano solos by Miss Belle Thorne Perlet, songs by 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1900. 








19 ( 10 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


203 


J. Aldrich Libbey, violin selections by John Spargur, and 
many other interesting features to delight the auditors. The 
orchestra was conducted by Bro. Charles Borgman. The 
committee which arranged this admirable entertainment com¬ 
prised W. Bro. James H. Curtin, Bros. Horatio T. Noyes, 
Phil Friedenburg, George Loesch and R. W. Bro. Robert 
Recker. 

In March Bro. Samuel Friedman, M.D., announced his. 
appointment as surgeon in the United States Army and stated 
that he had been ordered to duty in the Philippine Islands. 
Upon his departure for his distant post he carried with 
him an expression of the best wishes of the brethren and their 
earnest hope for his safe return. 

Having learned that M. W. Wright I). Pownall, P. G. M., 
had expressed a desire to visit St. Cecile Lodge and witness 
the work, the Master invited the distinguished brother to 
meet with the brethren of the lodge at a special communica¬ 
tion, to be held in the Commandery Room on May 8. Upon 
this occasion there were present, in addition to the usual 
complement of visitors, delegations from Trenton and New¬ 
ark, N. J. The guest of the day was welcomed and re¬ 
ceived with due honors and cordiality by the Master, after 
which he addressed the lodge in an interesting manner. Third 
degree was the work, during which R. W. George L. Mon¬ 
tague delivered a fine lecture. Artistic programmes in colors, 
containing twenty-one portraits of officers and brethren of the 
lodge, were distributed and were eagerly carried away to be 
preserved as souvenirs by many of the visitors. An amusing 
incident in connection with these works of art is worth re¬ 
lating here. When the printed matter was received, a few 
hours before the time of the meeting, it was observed for the 
first time that W. Bro. Decker’s picture had by some unin¬ 
tentional oversight been omitted. The consternation of the 
committee may b.e imagined. It was decided that under no 
circumstances could the programme be used as it was. But 
what could be done in so brief a time? A photograph of 


204 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1900 


Bro. Decker was hastily obtained, and a lifelike photo¬ 
engraving was quickly made. The programmes were then 
adorned with a neat cover from which smiled the familar 
features of the venerable Past Master, who was delighted 
with the implied compliment, never dreaming of his narrow 
escape from temporary obscurity. 

While the nomadic occupation of the actor frequently in¬ 
terferes with his regular attendance at lodge meetings, gen¬ 
erally speaking, no class of the membership is more sincerely 
devoted to the sublime principles of Freemasonry than are 
our brethren of the stage. Especially true is this observation 
when a question of relief arises. None are more prompt in 
reaching out the helping hand. A case in point occurred 
during May. When it was learned that Bro. John W. Isham, 
a well-known theatrical manager, was ill, possibly in want, 
a committee was promptly appointed to arrange a benefit in 
his behalf. Everything needed was cheerfully donated, from 
the use of the theatre to the services of even the humble call- 
boy. Under such promising circumstances the success of the 
entertainment was a foregone conclusion. The committee 
from St. Cecile was composed of B. W. Robert Recker, Bros. 
Henry W. Roe, Horatio T. Noyes, Robert W. Iverson and 
Gustav Myers. 

INTRODUCTION OF OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS. 

In order to get away from the usual form of lodge celebra¬ 
tion it was decided by vote of the lodge, on motion of 
Bro. Loesch, to commemorate the thirty-fifth anniversary 
of the lodge by a “ stag ” outing (the first) to some 
nearby seaside resort. The place selected was New Dorp, the 
time Friday, June 29. Tickets were sold to members at 
$1.50, the promised attractions being a fine shore dinner, sea 
bathing, field sports, etc. About fifty hungry epicures gath¬ 
ered about the festive board when the dinner call was heard, 
and finished a merry feast with music and speeches. The 
weather was all that could be desired and everybody enjoyed 


1900] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


205 


himself. This very successful affair was engineered by Bros. 
George Loesch and Horatio T. Noyes and is remembered with 
pleasure by its participants. 

Much distress, it was learned, resulted from the disastrous 
flood at Galveston, Tex. The Masonic fraternity responded 
quickly and generously to the call for help. St. Cecile Lodge 
was one of the first contributors, and there was talk of giving 
a benefit performance in aid of the sufferers. 

It is seldom that any official is welcomed with such a 
glorious musical reception as was given B. W. William E. 
Wilkinson, District Deputy of the Seventh, upon the occasion 
of his visit to St. Cecile on December 4. On that day the 
lodge fairly surpassed all previous efforts in this direction. 
The District Deputy was escorted into the lodge by a double 
line of "worshipful masters which extended the entire length 
of the Commandery Room. It is needless to say that other¬ 
wise the attendance was large. There were several interest¬ 
ing addresses, after which there was a concert, during which 
no less than five brethren led the orchestra, four of them 
during the playing of their own compositions. The following 
was the programme: 

1. Opening of the Lodge, 1.30 p.m. 

Transaction of preliminary business. 

2. Reception of the District Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh 

Masonic District, 

R. W. William E. Wilkinson and Escort. 

3. Ballet Suit—“ Im Walde”.Perlet 

(a) Valse lento. 

(&) Polka pizzicati. 

Orchestra directed by Bro. Herman Perlet. 

4. First Section of the Third Degree. 


REFRESHMENT. 

5. Medley March—“ Everything at Reilly’s must be Done in 

Irish Style ”. 

Personally conducted by R. W. Robert Recker 


Recker 




200 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1900 


0. Grand Selection—“ The Rogers Brothers in Central Park . . Levi 

Arranged especially for this occasion by Bro. Maurice Levi 

7. Prologue—“ Pagliacci ”.Leoncavallo 

Soloist, Bro. Alfred Doria 
Conducted by Bro. Thomas Hindley 

•8. Grand Selection—“ Fiddle-Dee-Dee ”.Stromberg 

Specially Contributed by Bro. John Stromberg 

'0. Conclusion of Third Degree. 


ORCHESTRA. 

CONDUCTORS, 

R. W. Robert Recker 


Bro. Herman Perlet 
Bro. Maurice Levi 

Bro. LOUIS W. REGIEBING. 

“ THOMAS HINDLEY. 

“ EDWIN G. CLARKE, 

“ MAX RICHTER. 

“ FRANK HESS. 

“ W. LLOYD BOWRON, 

“ JOSEPH DE BONA. 

“ HERMAN HEISER, 

“ CARL KNTJST, 

“ GAETANO M. PINTO, Violins. 
“ JOSEPH LAENDNER, 

“ CARL HACKERT. 

“ CHARLES BORGMAN. 

“ FRITZ DIERKS, Violas. 

“ WILLIAM J. SEE. 

“ JOSEPH RILEY, ’Celli. 

“ OSCAR GRETT, 

“ ISAAC WESSELL, Basses. 


Bro. Thomas Hindley 
Bro. John Stromberg 

Bro. JOHN B. DAUSCH, Oboe. 

“ FREDERICK SEE, 

“ FREDERICK WADSDWORTH, 

“ ANTHONY PINTO, Flutes. 

“ AUGUSTUS STENGLER, 

“ FRANK STRETZ, 

“ CHAS. FREUDENVOLL, Clarinets. 
“ HERBERT L. CLARKE, 

“ FREDERICO SONTY, 

“ HORACE SPARGUR, Cornets. 

“ ROBERT W. IVERSON, 

“ HERMAN ZILM, Homs. 

“ GEORGE FULLER, 

“ GUSTAV MYERS, Trombones. 

“ MARTIN SCHLIG, 

“ AUGUST IIELMECKE, 

Tympani and Drums. 


More than ordinary credit was given W. Bro. William B. 
'Clayton for the many sacrifices he made in order to perform 
his duties during his term of office as Master. Professionally 
engaged in Pittsburg, Pa., he frequently took a night train 
which brought him to New York in time for lodge meeting 
in the afternoon, after which he returned the same night to 
the smoky city of multifarious industries. This fidelity to 
his trust, besides the personal inconvenience, involved con¬ 
siderable expense. The brethren took note of this and re¬ 
solved to manifest their appreciation in some practical man¬ 
ner. A committee quietly solicited fifty-cent subscriptions 
(no one being permitted to subscribe more) and soon an 
amount was raised sufficient to purchase a beautiful diamond 
studded Past Master’s jewel. The presentation was made at 






1901 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


207 


the meeting of December 18, and E. W. Eobert Eecker was 
deputed to speak on behalf of the contributors. His eloquence 
was never better placed, and his remarks caused blushes of 
pleasure to mantle the cheeks of W. Bro. Clayton. When 
the Worshipful Master found words to express himself, with 
characteristic modesty he disclaimed any particular credit 
for the success of the year, attributing it all to his staff of 
officers. He afterward declared that he valued the gift of the 
brethren far beyond any other material possession, it being 
a reminder of some of his happiest experiences. While on 
this subject it may interest those who contributed to purchase 
it to learn that subsequently this beautiful jewel was ab¬ 
stracted from Bro. Clayton’s trunk in transit while on tour 
and has never been recovered, although the greatest efforts 
were made to find it. 

The brethren regretted to learn at the annual communica¬ 
tion that Bro. Clayton’s professional interests precluded the 
acceptance of another term. W. Bro. Theodore Thieler was 
elected Master, Bro. Horatio Noyes Senior Warden and Bro. 
George Loesch Junior Warden. E. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers 
presided during the election, but was later called away on 
business and the new officers were installed by W. Bro. Eu¬ 
gene C. Akers, of United States Lodge, No. 207. 


1901. 

W. Bro. Theodore Thieler (Lawyer).—Eaised in Cam¬ 
bridge Lodge, No. 662, January 18, 1866, of which he was 
Master in 1881. Affiliated with St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, 
December 20, 1881. Senior Deacon, 1883-85; Senior War¬ 
den, 1900; Master, 1901. Died suddenly in Brooklyn, March 
3, 1903. 


Plain, simple and unostentatious, of well-seasoned experience in the bat¬ 
tle of life was W. Bro. Thieler. He was a native of England, but his 


208 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1901 


early life was spent in the city of Brooklyn. Later he removed to the 
West, and after some years’ residence returned to New York. During his 
active life he was at times engaged in various newspaper enterprises, 
meanwhile pursuing the study of law, and finally being admitted to the 
bar. He was a man of admirable qualities, sincere and honorable in all 
his actions. He was highly respected by a large circle of friends. Being 
a lawyer of ability, Bro. Thieler’s services to the lodge were exceedingly 
valuable, and he was always ready to assist gratuitously any worthy 
brother in need of legal advice, and frequently did so. 

The more conservative element in the lodge had observed 
with no little satisfaction a growing inclination to do away 
with public installations of officers. Many had long con¬ 
tended that such ceremonials were out of place in public; 
that as a matter of propriety, if for no other reason, such 
proceedings should be kept within the closely tiled doors of 
the lodge room. The customary annual entertainment, which 
was given at the Lexington Avenue Opera House, March 27, 
a later date than in former years, was therefore minus one 
of the previous features. For the first time the annual enter¬ 
tainment was given as an evening reception with dancing as a 
part of the pleasure. The idea was popular from the start, 
and has since become one of the principal attractions. Imme¬ 
diately after the finale of a splendid vaudeville entertainment 
the floor was cleared, and a splendid orchestra, under the baton 
of the well-known Bro. John M. Lander, struck up a march. 
This was followed by the various popular dances, and the 
hours quickly passed. A feature which contributed greatly 
to the pleasure of the evening was an exhibition drill by 
the fraters of Morton Commandery, whose faultless execution 
of several manoeuvres evoked much admiration. So skilfully 
was this affair managed that for the first time in the history 
of the lodge’s innumerable entertainments there was a cash 
balance turned into the treasury after paying expenses. A 
special vote of thanks was tendered the committee and all 
the artists who contributed their services on this occasion. 
The General Committee was composed of W. Bro. James H. 
Curtin, B. W. Robert Recker, Bros. George E. Wallen, 


1901 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


209 


George Loesch, Frank G. Howie, “ Gus ” A. Myers and 
Philip S. Friedenberg. 

A stranger reading of the splendid social affairs given by 
St. Cecile might unthinkingly conclude that the lodge spent 
the greater portion of its time and money in the pursuit of 
amusement, to the exclusion of good works. Any such opin¬ 
ion would not only be erroneous but would be most unjust to 
the lodge. To attempt to recount in detail the benevolences 
of St. Cecile Lodge would require many pages such as these. 
Space permits but brief reference to the more important un¬ 
dertakings. No meeting of the lodge passes without evidence 
of generous and serious thought by the brethren. A great 
deal of practical good is accomplished quietly and without 
ostentation. The sick are visited; the dead are buried; the 
sufferings of the unfortunate alleviated. Certainly this rec¬ 
ord, though incomplete, shows that St. Cecile Lodge has been 
“ faithful over a few things.” 

The action of the Grand Lodge of 1901, in conferring upon 
R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary, the honorary 
title of Most Worshipful Grand Master, w T as very gratifying 
to his legion of friends, and particularly to members of St. 
Cecile Lodge, of which lie is an honorary member. 

A handsomely bound copy of the Holy Scriptures was pre¬ 
sented to the lodge by Bro. Robert Potts at the meeting of 
May 7, and a resolution was passed thanking the brother for 
his thoughtfulness. One of the pleasant features of this com¬ 
munication was the admission into full membership of Bro. 
Jacques Friedenberg, the fourth son of Bro. Isaac Frieden¬ 
berg, to be initiated in St. Cecile Lodge. This circumstance 
so pleased W. Bro. Charles F. Hotmer, of Copestone Lodge, 
who was present, that he at once improvised several verses 
apropos of the event, which he read for the amusement of 
the brethren. 

For many years a familiar figure about the halls of the 
Temple was that of Bro. “ Charlie ” Sanderson, tiler for St. 
Cecile and other lodges. His death occurred May 11, after a 


210 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1901 


protracted illness, and caused general sorrow. Bro. Sander¬ 
son was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland. During the Civil 
War he enlisted in the Seventy-ninth New York Regiment 
and was chief bugler in Robertson’s Band. He was in sev¬ 
eral famous battles, including the first Bull Run. After the 
war he was a member of various bands, finally accepting a 
position as Tiler in the Temple. He was favorably known to 
Masons, and a more upright, honorable gentleman could 
scarcely be found anywhere. He was a well-beloved member 
of Scotia Lodge. 

The success of the “ stag ” outing of the previous year 
determined the brethren of St. Cecile to again indulge in an 
outdoor reunion. The second outing was held at West New 
Brighton, S. I., Thursday, June 27. The day was sunny 
and pleasant. Upon arriving at the grounds the brethren 
devoted themselves to all sorts of outdoor amusements and 
when the dinner hour arrived no time was lost in securing 
seats. W. Bro. Theodore Thieler presided at the board, and 
made a peculiarly happy speech, after which he presented 
a silver loving cup, won on the baseball field, to members 
of New York Lodge, No. 1, B. P. 0. E., who were present by 
special invitation. A group photograph was afterward taken, 
and when the sun was low in the west one hundred and 
twenty-seven weary but happy brethren reluctantly departed 
for home. 

THE “ FATHER OF THE LODGE " PASSES AWAY. 

The third Tuesday of June, 1901, should be set down by 
the brethren of St. Cecile as a day ever to be held in loving 
remembrance for the sake of one who had from the very begin¬ 
ning of the lodge watched over its destinies with the solicitude 
of a parent. Upon the day mentioned W. Bro. Myron A. 
Decker, the venerable Chaplain and Past Master, was in his 
accustomed place, assisting in the work of conferring the first 
degree. He concluded the labors of the session with a prayer, 


1901 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


211 


in which he thanked the Almighty Father for his manifold 
mercies and implored a continuance of the success and har- 
mony prevailing. As the benediction was pronounced the 
brethren unknowingly gazed for the last time in the lodge 
room upon the familiar features of the “ Father of the 
Lodge.” Although he did not complain, it was observed that 
W. Bro. Decker was not in his usual health. On July 16 
the brethren were informed of his serious illness and re¬ 
quested to call at his residence. His condition changed rap¬ 
idly for the worse, and on Friday, August 16, W. Bro. 
Decker peacefully closed his eyes forever. Being a man 
whose faith in God was well founded, death brought to him 
no terrors, but 

-Sustained and soothed 

By an unfaltering trust, he approached his grave 
Like one that draws the drapery of his couch 
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams. 


Religious services were held at the Pilgrim Congregational 
Church, after which the Masonic ceremony was read by W. 
Bro. Thieler, assisted by the brethren. Bro. Decker’s favorite 
hymn was sung by Bro. Harry Roe, his voice trembling with 
suppressed emotion. As the casket was borne from the church 
there was appropriate music by a sextet of brass instruments 
played by members of the lodge. The floral pieces were nu¬ 
merous, the lodge sending a particularly beautiful one. At the 
next lodge meeting a committee was appointed to draft reso¬ 
lutions expressing the sorrow occasioned by the death of so 
valued a member. This tribute to Bro. Decker’s memory 
was in the form of a beautiful volume, bound in leather, 
which was presented to the family. Thus passed out of the 
lodge one who for thirty-six years had been its most con¬ 
spicuous and honored member. An extended sketch of W. 
Bro. Decker’s life and services will be found elsewhere in 
this volume, under the year 1872. 

During one of the meetings in October the Secretary un¬ 
folded a mysterious looking parcel with numerous foreign 


212 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1901 


marks upon it and brought forth two boxes of fine cigars 
and a complimentary letter from Bros. Roderick McLean and 
A. Bonhomie, of Havana Lodge, Ho. 99, Havana, Cuba. 
These were sent to the brethren of St. Cecile as a slight 
acknowledgment of attentions shown the foreign brethren 
while sojourning in the metropolis. The perfectos were 
promptly distributed among the brethren and a special dis¬ 
pensation granted by the Master so that the “ smoke offering ” 
might at once be enjoyed. The lodge adopted a resolution 
thanking the donors for their generosity. 

When R. W. Frederick T. Slack, Deputy for the Seventh 
District, visited St. Cecile Lodge in his official capacity, De¬ 
cember 17, he was entertained with a musical programme 
which gratified and surprised him. There was an orchestra 
of twenty-five well-known musicians, at times under the 
leadership of Bro. Herman Perlet, Bro. Maurice Levi, Bro. 
Fred W. Hager and Bro. John Stromberg, each directing the 
playing of his own compositions. In addition there was 
some high class vocal music, including solos by Bro. “Harry” 
Roe and others. Programmes especially designed by Bro. 
Walter Chippendale and printed in colors were distributed 
among the visitors. The District Deputy was accompanied 
by a large delegation of well-known Masons and was pre¬ 
sented to the Master by W. Bro. Albert Maxfield, of Consti¬ 
tution Lodge. The address delivered by the representative 
of the Grand Master was a glowing tribute to the principles 
of the fraternity. He also complimented the lodge upon the 
elaborate reception accorded him. 


GRATIFYING INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP NOTED. 

That the remarkable increase in membership during the 
nineties was not in the nature of an immature boom is evi¬ 
denced by its continuance up to the present day. The num¬ 
ber of members in good standing in 1890 was 177 Master 


1901 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


213 


Masons; in 1900 the number had increased to 367, or more 
than doubled in the decade. The quality of material ac¬ 
cepted was of unusually high character, as will be observed 
from a perusal of the names of some of those who joined 
during the period mentioned. 

As in former years a large percentage of the new members 
were musicians: Bros. Agostino Cerillo, John Magdalin, 
George W. Quine, Carl F. Williams, orchestra leader; Wil¬ 
liam Skuse, orchestra leader; Charles H. Hoyt, Albert 
Krausse, orchestra leader; Frederick J. See, Carl Schilling, 
orchestra leader; William Loraine, composer of “ Peggy from 
Paris” and other successes; the Witmark brothers—Isidore, 
Jacob and Julius, well-known music publishers; Herbert L. 
Clarke, solo cornetist of Sousa’s band; Carl G. Wolff, Freder¬ 
ick Sonty, Herman Perlet, operatic composer and conductor; 
Edwin G. Clarke, Carlo de Chiara, A. C. A. Hellcberg; Louis 
W. Egner, the Pinto brothers, Anthony and Gaetano; George 
H. Foster, orchestra leader; Martin Schlig, brother of the late 
W. Bro. Michael Schlig; Oscar C. Grett; Maurice Levi, a 
conspicuous band leader; Frederick Proescholdt, Joseph A. 
Riley, Gustav A. Myers, Albert H. Prescott, William J. 
See, Charles E. Borgman, musical director and arranger; 
John W. Bratton, composer and song writer; August Hel- 
mecke, Jr.; Carl H. Hackert, band leader; John B. Dausch, 
Robert W. Iverson, a well-known and popular official of the 
Aschenbroedel; George May, orchestra leader; Edward J. 
Biedermann, famous composer of church music; Vincent 
Miraglia, Justus Ringleben, prolific composer; Frederick 
I;. Blodgett, and Frederick W. Hager, now a successful pub¬ 
lisher, author of “ Laughing Water,” who directed the or¬ 
chestra for the lodge upon many occasions. These all joined 
in the order named. 

While there was but one theatrical manager registered in 
1890, during the ten years since there have been over thirty 
added to the membership, as well as many brethren otherwise 
employed about the playhouses. Among the names are: Bros. 
Joseph Oppenheimer, Eleazar Aarons, John McGowan, 


214 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1901 


Thomas E. Dunbar, J. W. and W. H. Isham, Ridge Wal¬ 
ler, Harry D. Wallen, Charles R. Norman, Samuel Scribner, 
William J. E. Schoepf, Henry Rosenberg, Clark G. Ball, 
Frank B. Carr, Charles L. Walters, Thomas Ebert, George 
J. Cooke, Ferdinand Rider, Richard Watson, Abraham Mor¬ 
ris, Louis Cohen, Robert and Henry Stone, Louis M. James, 
Charles and William Beamish, John McKeon, Frank G. 
Howie, Claude E. Laning, John A. Shoemaker, Edwin P. 
Wakefield and William Paley, of moving picture fame; Al¬ 
bert J. Minehan, Solomon Mannheimer, Robert Barr, Max 
Hirsch and William H. Walsh. 

Quite a number of prominent members of the theatrical 
profession found a Masonic home in St. Cecile during the 
nineties, joining in the following order: Bros. Charles J. 
Greene, Frank Russell, William E. Wilson, Leonard Del- 
more, William B. Watson, Ernest Lockwood, Imro 
Fox, “ the Professor ”; Herbert Prior, Charles Edwin 
Brandt, Joseph Morris, George E. Beban, William A. Gal- 
pen, Charles A. Bigelow, John H. Davies, Frank Abbott, 
Harry Stockley, Charles E. Grapewin, William Ruge, M. 
Woods, Joseph E. Howard, William Robyns Claytor, Caryl 
Wilbur, Charles H. Falke, Mark Ellsworth, Raymond 
Hitchcock, Thomas Whiffen, Edgar Forrest, Louis W. Wills, 
Thomas A. Wise, Howard Whitney, C. H. Anderson, Louis 
H. Kluth, Benjamin Berger and Charles Weitzell. All of 
these are so familiar to theatre-goers that comment is un¬ 
necessary here. 

Those employed in the printing offices of the city who were 
added to the membership included Bros. Henry Martin, 
superintendent mechanical department of the “ Globe ”; E. 
L. Ingalls, E. L. Hatfield, John A. Nickel, David J. Klein, 
Louis A. Johnson, holder of a world’s record for linotype com¬ 
position; John H. Horner, George J. Cannon, Charles E. 
Osborne, Lewie M. Grummond, Henry J. Benedict, Samuel 
H. Hart, Reginald Walsh, John C. Holzer, William S. Ridg- 
ley, William J. White, Walter M. Moorhouse, Joseph D. 


1901 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


215 


Jackson, superintendent mechanical department New York 
“World”; Bosanquet W. Gillis, Charles H. Lockwood, C. H. 
Jones, John H. Fichtel, George Kellington, Theodore T. Low, 
Henry L. Williams, Samuel M. Christie and John H. Max¬ 
well. These printers are all favorably known in the trade, 
and take an active interest in all lodge affairs. 

From the professions and various mercantile and other pur¬ 
suits the names of more than fifty good men have been added 
to the lodge roster. Among them: Bro. George H. Jones, 
manufacturer; Bro. Richard W. Ryer, merchant; Bro. 
Oscar Taussig, wholesale liquors; Bro. Franklin D. Law- 
son, M.D.; Bro. Michael J. Lampert, salesman; Bro. 
James G. Swart, cigars; Bro. Simon Bookman, retired; Bro. 
Frank H. Andrews, lineman; Bro. Henry Mason, hotel; 
Bro. John W. Ennis, restaurant; Bro. William H. 
Geiger, lawyer; Bro. Henry B. Faroat, railroad tickets; 
Bro. George Schworer, butcher; Bro. Philip Friedenberg, 
salesman; Bro. Robert E. Ullner, lawyer; Bro. William 
B. Wilson, salesman; Bro. Henry S. Dinkelspiel, sales¬ 
man; Bro. Hugh Wiese, telegraph; Bro. H. W. Young¬ 
ling, jewelry; Bro. Henry A. Kolkebeck, fireman; Bro. Rob¬ 
ert Joste, artist; Bro. Arthur F. Easton, newspaper clerk; 
Bro. John W. Van Oost, artist; Bro. Philip Levy, merchant; 
Bro. Peter Short, fire chief; Bro. Herman Schmidt, broker; 
Bro. William B. Sawers, merchant; Bro. Charles F. Roof, 
salesman; Bro. William C. Marsh, merchant; Bro. Edward 
A. Humble, advertising; Bro. Henry Seligman, agent; Bro. 
Lewis W. Hyde, Jr., salesman; Bro. Arthur J. Dowling, 
salesman; Bro. Edwin R. Corbett, tobacco; Bro. Samuel 
Friedman, M.D.; Bro. A. L. Levy, salesman; Bro. Edwin J. 
Cohn, music publisher; Bro. John Knox, manager; Bro. Wal¬ 
ter McDougall, livery; Bro. James Lake, manufacturer; Bro. 
James Schwackhammer, railroad superintendent; Bro. Ed¬ 
ward Nahan, salesman; Bro. Edwin Churchman, salesman; 
Bro. Walter J. Hilton, insurance; Bro. Nathan Rothstein, 
manufacturer; Bro. Robert G. McFarran, superintendent;^ 


216 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1901 


Bro. David C. Paterson, watchman; Bro. Gabriel T. Har- 
rower, salesman; Bro. Gustave J. Grunow, electrical en¬ 
gineer; Bro. Edward McDonald, hotel; Bro. William H. 
Hovey, clerk; Bro. Henry Hauck, lieutenant in Eire De¬ 
partment; Bro. Roy A. Wilson, surgeon, U.S.A.; Bro. 
Jacques S. Friedenberg, salesman; Bro. Joseph A. Kapp, 
merchant; Bro. Clayton Mayo, merchant; Bro. John M. Ad¬ 
ler, merchant; Bro. Charles E. Wilson, cashier; Bros. Albert 
Sanders and M. P. Morse, salesmen. 

The following officers of the police have connected them¬ 
selves with the lodge: Bro. Albert Reed joined in December, 
1892, and since then these others: Bros. Charles A. Place, 
John W. Cottrell, Edward C. Frizzell, who manages the the¬ 
atricals for the benefit of the officers’ association; Bros. Oscar 
Geissler, Louis Harris, Edward D. Hoffman, Raphael Schu- 
lum, Robert P. Beck, Henry Ebert, Robert M. McNaught, 
William E. Boettler, Irving Houghtaling and Samuel W. 
Beatty. 

One of the old-time members passed away in 1901. Bro. 
Jacob Mallach, who died Dec. 8, aged seventy-three years, 
was sixty-fourth on the list of members, having signed the 
roll December 4, 1866. His death, coming so soon after that 
of W. Bro. Decker, saddened the brethren very much, as it 
was realized that the lodge fathers were rapidly departing 
from the scenes which had known them so long. Bro. Mal¬ 
lach was a well-known musician, with an extensive acquaint¬ 
ance. He was of a modest, retiring disposition, and in the 
lodge could never be prevailed upon to accept any office, ex¬ 
cept in one year (1868), when he served as Marshal. In 
deference to the wishes of his family Masonic services were 
omitted at the funeral. 

The record of the year would be incomplete should no men¬ 
tion be made of the election of officers, which occurred De¬ 
cember 31. As had been the custom for many years, whenever 
his onerous duties permitted, R. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
Grand Secretary, accepted an invitation to preside during the 


1902 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


217 


election. It has really seemed as though some important 
essential were lacking when business prevented his attendance 
at the annual meeting of the lodge. Bro. H. A. Greene was 
elected Master for the ensuing year, his assistants being Bro. 
George Loesch, Senior Warden, and Bro. George E. Wallen, 
Junior Warden. Practically the same brethren occupied the 
other stations as in the preceding year. 


1902. 

W. Bro. Id. A. Greene (Advertising).—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568, June 1, 1897. Senior Deacon, 1898; 
Junior Warden, 1899; Master, 1902. Withdrew July 5, 
1904. 

The year 1902 opened with intelligence of the illness of 
several brethren in distant localities. Bro. Montague L. An¬ 
drews was heard from in San Antonio, Tex., and Bro. John 
F. Mundwyler, son of Bro. John J. Mundwyler, also of St. 
Cecile, in San Francisco. Letters of sympathy and en¬ 
couragement were sent to each of these brethren. The lodge 
was entertained occasionally in January with charming 
vocal duets by Bros. Thomas Boyd McQueen and Harry W. 
Roe, whose voices blended harmoniously in operatic selec¬ 
tions. Attendance at lodge meetings was exceptionally large. 

The annual reception was held in Lenox Lyceum on Thurs¬ 
day evening, January 23. The great hall was beautifully 
decorated for the occasion, and the seats were all filled long 
before eight o’clock, the hour scheduled for the stage per¬ 
formance. Late comers found considerable difficulty in ob¬ 
taining a place to stand, owing to the crush. The handsome 
costumes of the ladies and the inspiring strains of the band 
elicited a great deal of admiration, and the affair was most 
successful. The stage was directed by the veteran W. Bro. 


218 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1902 


James H. Curtin, who provided a splendid array of attrac¬ 
tions for the enjoyment of the audience, not the least of 
which was Bro. William Paley’s kalatechnoscope, displaying 
well-known members of the lodge. The orchestra was com¬ 
posed of brethren of the lodge, directed in turn by B. W. 
Robert Recker, Bro. Carl Williams, Bro. Fred W. Hager and 
Bro. John Stromberg. There were nearly three hundred 
couples taking part in the grand march when the dancing 
began. Altogether, the function proved an entire success in 
every way, and reflected great credit upon the committee, 
Bro. George E. Wallen, R. W. Robert Recker, W. Bros. Wil¬ 
liam B. Clayton, James H. Curtin and Theodore Thieler, 
and Bros. Robert E. Stone, Joseph Greenbaum, George 
Loesch, Max Hirsch, Gustav Myers and Reginald Walsh, 
whose report to the lodge was accompanied by a small cash 
balance. The committee was awarded a special vote of thanks 
for its efforts. 

During the afternoon of February 4, W. Bro. Theodore 
Thieler was called before the altar of the lodge and presented 
with a valuable gold watch, with chain and Masonic charm 
complete. The presentation was made in behalf of the lodge 
by M. W. John Stewart, whose eloquent words brought tears 
to the eyes of the former Master. On the same day Bro. 
Joseph Greenbaum was presented, by his numerous friends, 
with a handsome gold ring, inscribed with Masonic devices. 
Bro. Greenbaum had been unusually zealous in promoting 
the various undertakings of the lodge, particularly the enter¬ 
tainments. 

One of St. Cecile’s principal articles of faith seems to be 
that “ it is more blessed to give than to receive,” whether it 
be a gift of gold, of pleasure, of honor. Certain it is that 
the lodge never wearies in well-doing, and there is something 
doing pretty much all the time. Cordially inviting W. Bro. 
Eugene C. Akers, of United States Lodge, !No. 207, to the 
east, on January 27, the Master welcomed him with a hearty 
greeting, after which he informed him that, in recognition of 



WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1902. 


































































1902 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE 


2m 


the many services he had rendered the lodge, he had been 
elected an honorary member. Bro. Akers thanked the Master,, 
but excused himself from talking as he was suffering from a 
bronchial ailment. 

The first meeting of May was notable for the introduction 
of a resolution to reduce the affiliation fee to five dollars. 
When the question was brought to a vote it was declared lost. 

The death of Bro. Montague L. Andrews occurred April 13, 
in Texas. The body was brought to New York, and on Sun¬ 
day, April 20, funeral services were held in the Grand Lodge 
Hall at two in the afternoon. There was a great throng 
present. In accordance with the request of the deceased 
brother Masonic services were held by the Master and 
brethren of St. Cecile Lodge. There were vocal solos appro¬ 
priate to the occasion by several lodge members. Bro. An¬ 
drews was a popular hotel man, with an extensive acquaint¬ 
ance. The interment was in Woodlawn. 


MATINEE LODGE ESTABLISHED IX CHICAGO. 

For thirty-seven years St. Cecile Lodge had enjoyed the 
unique distinction of being the only regularly chartered Ma¬ 
sonic lodge in the United States privileged to meet exclusively 
in the daytime. It was therefore not without some regret 
mingled with their fraternal good will that the brethren 
learned that steps had been taken to establish in the city of 
Chicago a lodge with the peculiar characteristics of St. Cecile. 
On April 29 St. Cecile was visited by Bro. Albert Roullier, 
Senior Warden of Kilwinning Lodge, No. 311, Chicago, who 
informed the brethren of the project to institute a “ matinee ” 
lodge in the Windy City. He was warmly welcomed by the 
Master, and said that his object in visiting the metropolis 
was to inspect the methods and work of St. Cecile, with a 
view to applying some of them in the new lodge. On Tues¬ 
day, May 20, the new organization, St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 


220 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1902 


865, was granted permission by the Grand Master of Illinois 
to work under dispensation. It was subsequently learned that 
the meeting days, and even the hours, of the two lodges were 
identical. In addition to the similarity of names, a coinci¬ 
dence that has been noticed as remarkable is that the number 
of the new lodge is that of St. Cecile reversed. 

The Commandery Room was invaded by several hundred 
ladies on May 1, the occasion being St. Cecile’s reception to 
the mothers, wives, sisters and other feminine relatives and 
friends of the members. The doors were thrown open at one 
o’clock in the afternoon, and soon the ladies occupied every 
seat in the spacious hall. The following programme was re¬ 
ceived with enthusiastic expressions of approval: 


PART FIRST. 


‘Overture 


a March, “ Fellowcraft ” ... 

b Overture, “ Stradella,” (Flotow). . 


St. Cecile Orchestra 


Solo.Miss Rose Ringleben 

Something Doing.Bro. Harry B. Lester 

Soprano Solo.Miss Gertrude Mansfield 

Solo—“ Preislied ”—“ Meistersinger ”—(Wagner) . Bro. Thomas Boyd 
Piano Solo—(Selected).A. Eug6ne Messinger 


Intermission and Refreshments. 


PART SECOND. 

‘Overture, j a Polonaise * from “ Mignon ”.Thomas 

( b Valse lento. “ Falling Leaves ”.Ringleben 

Musical Comedians.Bros. Falke and Semon 

Brother Chas. J. Seymour’s Company. 

Blind Pianist and Whistler.Edward I. Boyle 

In “ Masons’ ” Jars.Shantrell and Schuyler 

Magician.Professor Ginsberg 

■“ Prince Morning Glory,” from Hayti . . . Johnson and Murray 


Never has the feminine contingent seemed more gratified 
with an entertainment than on this occasion. The success 












1902 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


221 


of the affair was due to the efforts of Bros. H. A. Greene, 
W. M. Moorhouse, A. J. Dowling, W. E. Tway, G. E. Wallen, 
Gustav Myers, J. E. Lyons, P. Eriedenberg, and William A. 
Baird, chairman. There was also an auxiliary committee of 
thirty-five ladies. 

During the warm days of June some of the brethren started 
a discussion as to the advisability of changing from the Tus¬ 
can to some other room in the Temple. Several had a pre¬ 
dilection for the Austin Boom and brought the matter up in 
lodge meeting. After thoroughly discussing a motion to 
change the meeting place the matter was tabled. 

On the tenth anniversary of his initiation into Masonry 
Bro. John Stromberg, on July 5, quietly clqsed his eyes in 
death. The news greatly shocked his friends in and out of 
the theatrical profession, among whom he was exceedingly 
popular. At the time of his last illness he was orchestra 
leader for Bros. Weber and Fields. The lodge members were 
notified to attend the funeral services, which were held in the 
Grand Lodge Llall on Sunday, July 8. There was a numer¬ 
ous gathering of friends. The Masonic service was read by 
the Master, after which B. W. William J. Duncan delivered 
an address which was an eloquent tribute to the genius of the 
deceased brother. During the services the pathetic melodies 
of the dead composer were played by an orchestra of forty 
instruments, and there were solos by Bro. Harry Boe, accom¬ 
panied by a large orchestra. The pall-bearers were Bros. 
Joseph Weber, Lewis Fields, John W. Bratton, Frederick 
Solomon, John Kelly and Julius P. Witmark. The floral 
pieces were exceedingly beautiful and numerous. The body 
was temporarily deposited in a vault at Woonsocket, B. I., 
and in the following year, at the request of St. Cecile Lodge, 
Bro. Stromberg was buried with Masonic honors by the local 
lodge in the tomb prepared for him in Oak Hill Cemetery. 
There is a granite monument representing an angel kneeling 
on one knee, holding a lyre, with outstretched arm dropping 
flowers upon the grave. The inscription reads: “ My Honey,. 


222 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


L1902 


He Was a Man. His Like I Shall Never See Again.” Bro. 
Stromberg was a composer of recognized ability, and in the 
lighter plaintive melodies had few equals. As a man and 
Mason he won the love and respect of all. 


AX EXJOYABLE SUMMER DAY^S OUTIXG. 

Summer outings to the various attractive resorts near the 
metropolis are always popular. The third annual outdoor 
function of St. Cecile showed an increased attendance over 
preceding years and was a social and financial success, al¬ 
though of course there was no intention of making gain out 
of a purely fraternal gathering. Thursday, July 31, was the 
day set apart for the outing and several hundred brethren 
went by boat to College Point, where the time was pleasantly 
spent in various games of the field, interspersed betimes with 
sufficient quantities of the good things for which the resort is 
famous. About four in the afternoon a delightful shore din¬ 
ner was served, during which a silver loving cup was presented 
to New York Lodge, No. 1, B. P. O. E., with the best wishes 
of St. Cecile Lodge. The weather was delightful, and a most 
enjoyable excursion was had. The committee which managed 
the affair was composed of Bros. George Loesch, William E. 
Tway, George E. Wallen, William A. Baird, H. W. Roe, 
Erank Howie, George Hackenberger, W. B. Wilson and W. 
M. Moorhouse. 

Some twenty or more brethren, including the Master and 
Wardens, met at the home of Bro. Isaac Eriedenberg on the 
■evening of September 2, the occasion being the seventy-second 
birthday of the esteemed brother. It also marked the forty- 
sixth year of Bro. Friedenberg’s Masonic life, the last twenty 
years of which had been spent in St. Cecile Lodge. The 
Master congratulated the venerable brother upon his unusual 
vigor, and on behalf of the lodge expressed the wish that he 
might for many years enjoy a continuance of health and hap- 


1902 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


223 


piness. With these expressions of good will was presented a 
silver loving cup, appropriately inscribed, as a testimonial of 
esteem from the lodge. In accepting the very appropriate 
gift Bro. Friedenberg expressed his pride in St. Cecile Lodge 
and invited the brethren to join him in baptizing the cup. 
While partaking of the hospitality of the honored brother 
several speeches were made tending to cement more closely 
if possible the brotherly love between Bro. Friedenberg and 
the lodge. 

Exceedingly impressive were the obsequies over the body 
of Bro. John W. Isham, scion of an old Hew England fam¬ 
ily, who died in Flushing on September 24. The funeral 
took place in Utica, H. Y., four days later. At the request 
of St. Cecile the services were conducted by Oriental Lodge, 
Ho. 224. M. W. Jesse B. Anthony, P. G. M., officiated, as¬ 
sisted by the Master of St. Cecile. After services in Calvary 
Church the funeral proceeded to Forest Hill Cemetery during 
a terrific rain-storm. Among those participating were several 
hundred Masons from St. Cecile Lodge, Oriental Lodge, 
'Oneida Chapter, Utica Commandery and the Masonic Club. 
The daily press commented in very flattering terms upon the 
excellent precepts of an organization whose members had 
turned out in such inclement weather to pay the last honors 
to one who was a comparative stranger. In recognition of 
the fraternal courtesy displayed on this occasion by Oriental 
Lodge it was resolved by St. Cecile to present some significant 
token of appreciation. A silver loving cup, artistically orna¬ 
mented with copper, was prepared and Bros. George Loesch 
and William Paley were appointed a committee to carry the 
gift to Utica upon the occasion of the annual meeting of 
'Oriental Lodge. There had been no intimation of the in¬ 
tended visit, and when Bro. Loesch arose in the lodge room 
and eloquently expressed the gratitude of St. Cecile Lodge 
as he presented the loving cup the applause with which he 
was greeted was strengthened by the surprise of his auditors. 
'The gift was accepted by W. Bro. J. S. Cole, on behalf of 


224 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1902 


Oriental Lodge, who thanked the brethren of St. Cecile for 
the beautiful sentiment thus exemplified. 

“ Seventh District Day ” was the appellation given Octo¬ 
ber 21, when the Masters of the district were present by 
special invitation to assist in the work of the third degree. 
There were also present a great many other prominent Ma¬ 
sons, the lodge being honored by the presence of the Grand 
Master and members of his staff. The Commandery Room 
was filled to the doors with interested witnesses of the pro¬ 
ceedings. The stations were filled as follows: 


W. M.—R. W. John Morrow, A. G. L. 

S. W.—W. Bro. Lord, of Harlem Lodge, No. 457. 

J. W.—W. Bro. H. H. Howe, Corinthian Lodge, No. 488. 

S. D.—W. Bro. Donald Gow, Normal Lodge, No. 523. 

J. D.—W. Bro. Charles W. Spiegel, Manhattan Lodge, No. 489. 

jyj q _ (W. Bro. J. D. Merrill, Gramercy Lodge, No. 537. 

1 W. Bro. H. A. Greene, St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

Stewards_i W. Bro. Emile Baker, Globe Lodge, No. 588. 

1 W. Bro. Frank C. Barker, Girard Lodge, No. 631. 
Chaplain—W. Bro. Elmer B. Silver, Copestone Lodge, No. 641. 
Marshal—W. Bro. Robert A. Miller, Americus Lodge, No. 535. 


A splendid lecture on the history of the degree was deliv¬ 
ered by M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary. 
Music was provided by twenty-five members of the lodge, 
under the baton of Bro. Erederick W. Hager. The pro¬ 
gramme consisted principally of excerpts from the works of 
the late Bro. John Stromberg. Bro. John Schilling con¬ 
tributed an instrumental solo from Mozart’s “ Magic Elute. n 
During the afternoon a telegram of congratulation and good 
wishes was sent to St. Cecilia Lodge, ISTo. 865, Chicago, that 
day constituted, as had been done upon the occasion of their 
first meeting under dispensation. 

Another occasion upon which an exceptionally fine musical 
programme was provided by members of the lodge was the 
official visit of R. W. Richard Shepard, Jr., District Deputy 
of the Seventh, on December 2. An orchestra of thirty pieces 
was conducted by Bros. Maurice Levi and Frederic W. Hager, 


1902 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


225 


in- selections from their own compositions. Among the pleas¬ 
ant features of the day was the presentation to the distin¬ 
guished representative of the Grand Master of a beautifully 
engraved gold match-box as a memento of his visit. 

A man who holds a strong grasp upon the affections of his 
Masonic associates is Most Worshipful Bro. John Stewart, 
Past Grand Master. Certainly among the brethren of St. 
Cecile the distinguished brother is regarded as “ one of her 
very own.” Por years his words have stirred the hearts of 
the brethren, and his appearance in the lodge room is suffi¬ 
cient to attract attention at any time. It was Most Worship¬ 
ful Bro. Stewart who, in 1895, added lustre to the name of 
St. Cecile by giving one of her sons, W. Bro. Robert Recker, 
a Stewardship in the grand body. This was the first Grand 
Lodge appointment that had come to St. Cecile in twenty-eight 
years, aside from the Musical Directorship of W. Bro. Wil¬ 
liam F. Sherwin in 1871, and the perennial appointment of 
Bro. George W. Morgan as Grand Lodge organist. It is not 
to be wondered at that the brethren felt joyful over the honor 
and have ever since retained a feeling of gratitude to the 
esteemed Past Grand Master. A proposition to elect Most 
Worshipful Bro. Stewart an honorary member was hailed 
with delight, and at the annual meeting in December this 
was one of the important actions of the lodge. Most Worship¬ 
ful Bro. Stewart is so well known to the fraternity that it 
is almost unnecessary to add that he was made a Mason in 
Albion Lodge, Ho. 26, in June, 1874. For four years he 
faithfully served his lodge as Senior Deacon, and for six 
years as Master. He was Assistant Grand Lecturer, 1881-83 ; 
Deputy Grand Master of the Fourth Masonic District, 1884; 
Trustee Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, 1891-93, during 
which period the Home was built; Deputy Grand Master, 
1894; Grand Master, 1895-96; Trustee Hall and Asylum 
Fund, 1906-07. 

Another name was also added to the list of honorary mem¬ 
bers at the annual meeting when it was proposed to so distin- 


226 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1903 


guish W. Bro. Charles F. Hotmer, of Copestone Lodge, No. 
641, who had long been a regular attendant at the communi¬ 
cations of St. Cecile, and who was ever ready to assist in 
the work. 

The Secretary reported at the annual communication that 
the day’s receipts at his desk were $487, which was considered 
large for one meeting. He also reported 424 members in 
good standing, and the Treasurer, not to be outdone, called 
attention to the fact that the lodge was drawing interest on 
nearly $10,000 in bank. Bro. George Loesch was the unani¬ 
mous choice for Master, Bro. George Wallen for Senior War¬ 
den, and Bro. George Johnston for Junior Warden. Great 
predictions were made when it was observed that a trio of 
“ Georges ” were to occupy the three most important stations 
in the lodge during the ensuing year. M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers presided during the election, and kept everybody in a 
cheerful frame of mind while the balloting progressed. He 
afterward installed the new staff. 


1903. 

B. W. Bro. George Loescii (Insurance Manager).— 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, September 20, 1898. Appointed 
Junior Deacon, 1899; Senior Deacon, 1900; elected Junior 
Warden, 1901; Senior Warden, 1902; Master, 1903. Ap¬ 
pointed Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1904 by M. W. 
Frank H. Robinson, Grand Master. 

Musicians have never furnished the lodge with a more active worker 
than R. W. George Loesch, Master in 1903. From his induction into 
Masonry he has striven to do as much work as possible and to do it, not 
only well, but as good as the best. As Senior Deacon he was practically 
letter perfect, and was selected by the Grand Lecturer to officiate in that 
capacity during the exemplification of the first degree in the lodge of 
instruction. As Master of the lodge he presided with rare ability, being 
satisfied with nothing but first-class work in every particular. A ready 
speaker, at times unusually eloquent, he commands attention whenever 


1903] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


227 


he addresses the brethren. But it has been as a practical rather than 
theoretical worker that R. W. Bro. Loesch has made his mark. He has 
served times without number upon all the important committees, and 
as an organizer has few equals. He was the originator of the idea of giv¬ 
ing the monster concert in aid of the Hall and Asylum Fund, and it was 
largely through his personal efforts that the success of the huge under¬ 
taking was assured. Although so greatly interested in the outcome of 
this venture, Bro. Loesch was denied the gratification of being present at 
the concert, as his efforts brought on an illness which threatened his life. 
R. W. Bro. Loesch was chairman of the excursion to Philadelphia, when 
nearly two hundred brethren visited that city in 1904. He wrote the 
book for the latter as well as that for the concert, and was active in 
making both events successful. As an officer of the grand body, R. W. 
Bro. Loesch won the unqualified commendation of the Grand Lecturer 
for his ability in the performance of his duties. Bro. Loesch was born 
in Boston, Mass., May 30, 1872. Ilis boyhood was spent in San 
Francisco, where he attended the public schools, and studied music be¬ 
times, becoming a proficient instrumentalist upon the violin and French 
horn, after engaging professionally with the best musical organizations. 
He travelled extensively through the United States and Canada, after 
which he accepted an orchestral position in New York. Tiring of music 
as a profession, R. W. Bro. Loesch engaged with the New York Life In¬ 
surance Company as agent and by sheer merit gained appointment as 
agency director, since which time he has earned a high reputation as a 
manager, and has won several trophies for superior efficiency. He is a 
member of several Masonic organizations and is a Past Exalted Ruler of 
Bronx Lodge, B. P. O. E. 

Although there had been an unusual number of deaths 
brought to the notice of the brethren during the winter, all 
of them sad, some of them peculiarly startling, never had the 
brethren received such a shock as was caused by the sudden 
death of W. Bro. Theodore Thieler on the evening of March 
3. W. Bro. Thieler had been in attendance upon a lodge 
meeting near his home in Brooklyn, and at half-past ten 
o’clock started to walk to his residence. At a street corner 
he was seen to stagger and a moment later fell lifeless to 
the sidewalk. That very afternoon he had been present at 
the regular communication of St. Cecile, apparently in the 
best of health. He was unusually affable during the day, 
chatting with his friends and assisting in various portions 
of the lodge work, as little likely as any man there, it seemed, 


228 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1903 


to be standing upon the threshold of eternity. Though usu¬ 
ally reserved in manner, modest and retiring, W. Bro. Thieler 
was highly respected by a large circle of friends. His Ma¬ 
sonic career will be found under the year 1901. The funeral 
was held in the Baptist Temple in Brooklyn, and was largely 
attended by prominent members of the order, after which the 
body was removed to Fresh Pond Crematory for incinera¬ 
tion. Brethren of St. Cecile Lodge and companions of Cor¬ 
inthian Chapter, Ho. 159, R. A. M., were present and after¬ 
ward formed an escort. 

One of the many interesting features of the annual recep¬ 
tion, which was held in the Lexington Avenue Opera House, 
Thursday evening, April 2, was that every number of the 
dance music played by the orchestra was written by a mem¬ 
ber of the lodge. All the musicians, under the direction of 
Bro. Frederic W. Hager, also were members of the lodge. 
This was the order of dancing: 

FIRST PART. 

Entree—“ Craftsmen’s March,” .... Bro. Justus Ringleben, Jr. 

Landers—“ Hoity-Toity,”.Bro. John Stromberg 

Waltz—“ The Bower of Love,”. Bro. John W. Bratton 

Two-Step—“ The Three Georges,” .... Bro. William T. Francis 

Especially arranged for this occasion and respectfully inscribed to George Loesch, 
Master; George E. Wallen. Senior Warden, and George Johnston, Junior Warden. 

Waltz—“ Fair Harvard,” ..Bro. Maurice Levi 

Two-Step—“ Midnight Flier,”.Bro. Fred. W. Hager 

Lanciers—“ The Rogers Bros, in Harvard,” . . . Bro. Maurice Levi 

Waltz—“ Carnations,” .Bro. Arthur Weld 

Two-Step—“ My Little Hong Kong Baby,” . . Bro. John W. Bratton 

(From “ A Chinese Honeymoon.”) 

Waltz—“ Oh, My Sweet Little Rosey,” . . Bro. Justus Ringleben, Jr. 

Two-Step—“ Universal,”.Bro. Henry Hackert 


SECOND PART. 

Waltz—“ Sleeping Beauty and the Beast,” . . . Bro. Fred. Solomon 
Two-Step—“ The Rogers Bros, in Harvard,” . . Bro. Maurice Levi 
Waltz—“It Seems Like Yesterday,” .... Bro. Isidore Witmark 
(From “The Chaperons.”) 







1903 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


229 


Lanciers—Our Boys,”.Bro. Fred. W. Hager 

altz—“ Moon, Moon,”.Bro. Nat Mann 

(From “ The Toreador.”) 

Two-Step—“ Troubles of the Reuben and the Maid,” Bro. Maurice Levi 
Waltz—“ Come Down, Ma Evenin’ Star,” . . . Bro. John Stromberg 

(From “ Twirly-Whirly.”) 

Two-Step—“ The Billionaire,”.Bro. Gustave Kerker 

Lanciers—“ The Chaperons,”.Bro. Isidore Witmark 

Waltz—“ Monte Carlo,”.Bro. John Stromberg 

(From “Hoity-Toity.”) 

Two-Step—“ Etiquette,”.Bro. William T. Francis 

(From “The Stickiness of Gelatine.”) 

A great deal of merriment was caused by a series of Bro. 
William Paley’s moving pictures, depicting scenes at St. 
Cecile’s last summer outing. As the familiar features of the 
various brethren were recognized among the contestants in 
sack races and other amusing athletic sports there was an 
outburst of applause from the audience. The other novelties 
included many of the leading attractions from the vaudeville 
theatres of the city, which were received with approval. The 
Committee of Arrangements for the reception was composed 
of Bro. George E. Wallen, R. W. Robert Recker, W. Bros. 
Curtin, Greene and Loesch, Bros. George Johnston, William 
E. Tway, George W. Hackenberger, Philip S. Friedenberg, 
William A. Baird, Frank G. Howie, Caryl Wilbur, C. M. 
Carter, Gustav A. Myers, Joseph Greenbaum, Maurice Levi, 
Alfred E. O’Connor, William Paley and W. M. Moorhouse. 
By resolution of the lodge they were formally thanked for 
the exceptionally successful manner in which the function 
had been conducted. 

Several brethren were victims of severe accidents during 
the spring. W. Bro. Charles H. Govan fractured his collar¬ 
bone by a disastrous tumble from his bicycle, and Bro. James 
Smith suffered a broken arm from a similar cause. Other 
brethren of the lodge complained of minor mishaps. 

One of those spontaneously generous acts which indicate 
the practical interest taken in the welfare of the lodge by its 







230 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1903 


members occurred in July, when Bro. William E. Tway, 
Senior Deacon, observing that the lodge piano had become 
somewhat the worse for wear, offered to take the old instru¬ 
ment away and replace it with a splendid new one without 
cost to the lodge. This generous offer was gratefully accepted 
by vote of the lodge and soon the new piano was installed in 
the room. Bro. Joseph Davidoff thoughtfully provided a 
silver name-plate which was attached to the front of the 
piano. These brethren were formally thanked by the lodge 
for their kindness. 

Warm days brought thoughts of outing. The day set apart 
for the excursion was Friday, July 24. There was a good 
attendance when the hour arrived to step aboard the boat for 
College Point. On arrival at the grounds it was found that 
refreshments were already in waiting, and the brethren sat 
down to enjoy a feast of clams. During the day athletics, 
ball games, bathing in the cool waters of the Sound and other 
amusements available at the shore resort were enjoyed by all. 
In the afternoon upon hearing the dinner signal all hands 
quickly repaired to the dining pavilion, where a shore dinner 
was spread. During the enjoyment of the repast prizes were 
distributed to the successful contestants in the athletic con¬ 
tests. A beautiful vase was presented to R. W. John Mor¬ 
row, A. G. L., as a slight expression of gratitude from the 
brethren for his efforts in perfecting the lodge officers in the 
standard work during the previous months. The day passed 
without accident to mar the pleasure of the occasion, and 
the committee was congratulated upon its successful efforts. 
The chairman was Bro. William E. Tway, with W. Bros. 
George Loesch, H. A. Greene, Bros. Frank E. Howie, William 
A. Baird and William D. Lang as coworkers. 

Solicitude for the individual welfare of its members, who¬ 
ever or wherever they may be, is an old and strong charac¬ 
teristic of St. Cecile Lodge. In misfortune, the helping hand 
is promptly extended; in prosperity, she is ever ready with 
congratulations and good wishes. A pleasing illustration of 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1903. 
GRAND DIRECTOR CEREMONIES, 1904. 





1903 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


231 


the latter took place in August, when it was learned that sev¬ 
eral brothers in the flesh, who were also brethren of the lodge, 
had embarked upon an extensive business enterprise. The 
lodge sent the firm the following telegram of congratulation: 
“ St. Cecile Lodge presents its compliments to the Messrs. 
Witmark & Sons, under the beehive clock tower, and wishes 
them abundant success on their opening new headquarters this 
day.” Bro. Marcus Witmark, of Naval Lodge, No. 69, has 
been a Mason over fifty years. His sons, Isidor, Julius P. 
and Jacob, have long been members of St. Cecile Lodge. 


MANY DISTINGUISHED VISITORS WELCOMED. 

A number of interesting addresses by well-known Masons 
from various corners of the earth were heard by the brethren 
during the year. Among them was that of the Very Worship¬ 
ful Bro. K. Peacock, President of the Board of General Pur¬ 
poses of the Grand Lodge of Australia, who visited St. Cecile 
in the autumn. Bro. Peacock spoke in a very entertaining 
manner, describing the importance of the work in which he 
was particularly interested and relating several anecdotes of 
his long voyage from Victoria. On the 15th of September 
W. Bro. Albert Koullier, first Master of St. Cecilia, the 
“ matinee ” lodge of Chicago, was again welcomed by W. Bro. 
Loesch, and told the brethren of the work of his lodge. 
Among those present was W. Bro. John H. Allen, honorary 
member of St. Cecile and formerly one of its most successful 
Masters. The latter, just returned from an extended tour 
abroad, during which he had visited lodges in England, Scot¬ 
land, Ireland and other places, related anecdotes which kept 
the brethren intensely interested for an hour. 

A ladies’ matinee was decided upon by the brethren, and 
the feminine friends were invited to assemble in the Com- 
mandery Boom on November 20. They were entertained 
with vaudeville and music and during the intermission re- 


232 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1903 


freshments were served. It was a delightful social affair, 
well managed, and provocative of much praise from the 
ladies present, who complimented the committee highly upon 
its success. Bro. George E. Wallen was chairman, other 
members of the committee being Bros. George Hackenberger, 
Caryl Wilbur, Ered W. Hager, William D. Lang, W. Bro. 
James H. Curtin and B. W. Bro. Becker. In the evening a 
score of the brethren, with several Grand Lodge officers and 
a number of ladies, gathered at the popular hostelry of Bro. 
Edward McDonald, near Broadway, .where an exceedingly 
jolly, informal dinner was served, with music, a fitting con¬ 
clusion of a notably pleasant day with St. Cecile. 

The eighty-fifth birthday of Bro. Thomas Nedham, for 
nearly forty years a member of the lodge, provided the 
brethren with an opportunity for showing in a substantial 
manner the affection in which the venerable brother is held 
by the members of the lodge. On the evening of November 
21 the Master and Wardens met at Bro. Nedham’s residence 
to offer their congratulations. Not only was the brother 
felicitated upon his sturdy health and length of years, but 
upon his safe return from an extended tour in Europe. He 
was then presented, on behalf of the lodge, with a beautiful 
loving cup, hearing an appropriate inscription. Overcome 
by surprise and joyful emotion, Bro. Nedham declared it was 
impossible for him to express himself and called upon one of 
the others to speak in his behalf. Befreshments were served 
after the speeches and a very pleasant musical hour was spent 
with the veteran. 

An amendment to the by-laws increasing the initiation fee 
to $50 was offered by Bro. George E. Wallen at a meeting 
in October. After being properly notified the brethren were 
summoned to take final action on the amendment November 
17. There was a good attendance, and after a few desultory 
objections from one or two brethren the motion was declared 
carried, thus deciding in a few moments a question which 
had been periodically under discussion for years. 


1903 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


233 


COMMUNICATION OF UNUSUAL INTEEEST. 

In answer to the summons of the Master there was a tre¬ 
mendous outpouring of the brethren on December 1. In ad¬ 
dition to being the nine hundredth communication of the 
lodge it was the day set apart for the official visit of the Dis¬ 
trict Deputy, R. W. Samuel J. McDonald. Ho better evi¬ 
dence of the loyalty of St. Cecile Lodge to the Grand Master 
need be sought than the splendid receptions accorded his 
representatives from time to time upon the occasion of their 
visits. When R. W. Bro. McDonald entered the Commanderv 
Room, escorted by more than a score of the members of the 
Square Club, he was accorded a reception which must have 
been extremely gratifying, even to one accustomed to frequent 
ovations. The gracious words of the Master’s greeting, the 
melodious music by a superb orchestra, the great throng of 
distinguished craftsmen, including nearly a hundred grand 
officers and Masters of sister lodges, all combined to produce 
an event of unusual brilliancy. The District Deputy was 
visibly plea'sed, and his address reflected his feelings. 

One of the memorable features of this remarkable session 
was the presentation by W. Bro. George Loesch of a beauti¬ 
fully engrossed certificate of honorary membership, hand¬ 
somely framed, to Most Worshipful Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
the distinguished Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Hew 
York. Most Worshipful Bro. Ehlers accepted the certificate 
in the fraternal spirit in which it was presented, his words 
on this occasion being unusually felicitous. The remarks of 
both speakers were exceedingly eloquent and their earnest 
words found a ready response in every heart. As indicative 
of Colonel Ehler’s sentiments regarding St. Cecile, the fol¬ 
lowing extract from a letter to the Historian is printed: 

Complying with your request I hasten to forward the accompanying 
photograph for publication in the History you are now preparing for 
St. Cecile Lodge. The Historian, although he write with the ink of 


234 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1903 


patience, the pen of fidelity and the hand of love, cannot fully portray 
all the generous deeds of St. Cecile, nor the splendid manhood of its 
membership. 

After musical selections by the orchestra, W. Bro. Charles 
F. Hotmer, of Copestone Lodge, who had also been elected 
to honorary membership at the meeting of the previous De¬ 
cember, was called before the altar and likewise presented 
with an engrossed certificate, suitably framed. The Master 
alluded to the fraternal ties existing between W. Bro. Hot¬ 
mer and members of St. Cecile, also voicing his own personal 
regard. Bro. Hotmer accepted the certificate with a brief 
speech of earnest thanks. 

When the annual meeting came around W. Bro. George 
Loesch excused himself from accepting re-election, because 
of the demands of a growing business, and Bro. George E. 
Wallen was called upon to assume the responsibilities of the 
presiding officer. Bro. Wallen was elected Master, Bro. 
George Johnston Senior Warden, and Bro. William E. Tway 
Junior Warden. The other elective officers were continued 
in their several stations. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was 
specially invited to preside, and upon entering the room was 
congratulated by the Master upon his narrow escape from 
injury in a recent serious trolley accident. As M. W. Bro. 
Ehlers was summoned from the room immediately after the 
election, the new officers were installed by R. W. William J. 
Duncan, Past Grand Librarian. 

A pleasing feature of the day was the presentation to 
Most Worshipful John Stewart, Past Grand Master, of an 
elaborately executed certificate of honorary membership. 
This eminent Masonic friend has long been a welcome visitor 
to St. Cecile, upon numerous occasions assisting in the work 
of the lodge. Members of St. Cecile have had practical evi¬ 
dence of M. W. Bro. Stewart’s good will upon more than 
one occasion, and it is well understood that the esteemed 
Past Grand Master is never at a loss for good words in speak¬ 
ing of St. Cecile. He accepted the certificate in a brief 
but earnest address of thanks. 


1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


235 


In response to an appeal for clothing for some of the suf¬ 
ferers at the Home for Incurables the committee having the 
matter in charge reported having forwarded nine parcels, 
together with books and magazines. The brethren were en¬ 
joined to keep this subject in mind should opportunity present 
itself to contribute. 


1904. 


It. W. Bro. George E. Wallen (Theatrical Manager).— 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, May 21, 1895. Elected 
Junior Warden, 1902; Senior Warden, 1903; Master, 1904. 
Appointed in 1906 on the Printing Committee of the Grand 
Lodge; in 1907 appointed Grand Representative of the Grand 
Lodge of Colorado near the Grand Lodge of Hew York. 

One who has brought honors to St. Cecile Lodge as well as receiving 
them is R. W. Bro. Wallen. He is a man accustomed to large responsi¬ 
bilities, whose character and standing in the business world are above 
question. Upon innumerable occasions he has contributed his valuable 
services in bringing to a successful conclusion the huge annual enter¬ 
tainments, the monster concert, the various large functions in connection 
with the interchange of visits with the Philadelphia brethren, and similar 
events. As an officer of the lodge he was punctual in attendance and 
faithful in the performance of every duty. His term as Master was a 
notably successful one, socially and otherwise. It was during his term that 
University Lodge, No. G10, of Philadelphia, visited St. Cecile, and it was 
largely on his account that St. Cecile journeyed over to the City 
of Brotherly Love later in the same year. R. W. Bro. Wallen had the 
unusual experience of being born in one State while his parents were 
residents of another. The interesting event occurred Sept. 5, 18G1, during 
the visit of his parents to relatives in Philadelphia. Bro. Wallen as 
a young man learned the trade of gas and steam fitting, and in 1879 left 
that industry to become secretary and confidential man to Mr. F. F. 
Proctor in his theatrical enterprises. As a Mason R. W. Bro. Wallen 
is enthusiastic and earnest. He is a member of Constitution Chapter, 
No. 230; York Commandery, No. 55; Mecca Temple, and is an officer of 
the Square Club, Masonic Club, and several Masonic organizations. 

The annual reception and entertainment was a brilliant 
success, even for St. Cecile Lodge. A well-known newspaper, 
commenting editorially at the time upon the event, said: 


236 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 


“ In all our experience, extending over many years, we never 
saw such a crowd in the Lexington Avenue Opera House 
as was present on the evening of March 10, to attend the 
annual reception of St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, F. & A. M. 
Every available space was occupied and hundreds were com¬ 
pelled to stand during the entire evening.” On this occasion 
there were more than 2,700 persons present, but notwith¬ 
standing the many uncomfortable features of so great a 
throng, there were no serious complaints heard. The enter¬ 
tainment was up to the usual high standard of former years. 
Among those contributing were Bros. Caryl Wilbur, Harry 
B. Lester, William Robyns, Morris Weston and other volun¬ 
teers, including many prominent musicians and singers. 
During the evening W. Bro. George Loesch was called to the 
platform and publicly presented with a handsome gold watch 
as a testimonial from the lodge. The presentation was made 
by M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, whose flattering allusions 
to Bro. Loesch’s services caused the latter to blush with 
pleasure. Dancing was enjoyed for several hours after mid¬ 
night. It was a very grand affair, reflecting the greatest 
credit upon all concerned. The committee in charge con¬ 
sisted of W. Bro. George Loesch, Chairman, with R. W. 
Robert Recker, W. Bros. George E. Wallen and James H. 
Curtin, Bros. George Johnston, William E. Tway, George W. 
Hackenberger, William A. Baird, John J. Dowers, W. M. 
Moorhouse, W. D. Lang, A. F. O’Connor, I. Witmark, Gustav 
A. Myers, Frank G. Howie, William Paley, Imro Fox and 
Maurice Levi. 

VISIT OF UNIVERSITY LODGE OF PHILADELPHIA. 

One of the most notable events in the career of St. Cecile 
Lodge occurred on April 5, when a special train bearing one 
hundred and eighty-three members of University Lodge, Ho. 
610, of Philadelphia, arrived in Hew York especially to visit 
St. Cecile. The visitors were met in Hewark by a committee 


1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


237 


of twelve brethren, led by R. W. Robert Recker. The wel¬ 
coming addresses which ensued were brief but hearty. Special 
surface cars were held in waiting at the Twenty-third Street 
Ferry, provided through the courtesy of Bro. Luther C. Vree- 
land, of Copestone Lodge, No. 641. Upon arrival the guests 
were escorted direct to the Temple. The tuneful St. Cecile 
Orchestra, under the leadership of Bro. Fred W. Hager, 
struck up an inspiring march composed for the occasion by 
Bro. Justus Ringleben, of St. Cecile. As the great delega¬ 
tion entered the Commandery Room, all attired in evening 
dress, that being the prescribed uniform for University mem¬ 
bers, their striking appearance created something of a sen¬ 
sation. The visiting Master and Wardens carried immense 
bouquets of choice flowers, which they presented to the re¬ 
spective officers of the lodge, W. Bro. Seltzer presenting his 
offering to W. Bro. Wallen, and similar compliments being 
paid by the Wardens to the similar officers of St. Cecile. W. 
Bro. Ralph Seltzer, Master of University Lodge, received a 
warm welcome from W. Bro. Wallen, himself a native of the 
City of Brotherly Love, and was introduced to the assembled 
brethren. Among those who accompanied the visiting party 
was quickly recognized the familiar features of W. Bro. Wil¬ 
liam B. Smith, formerly Mayor of Philadelphia, an old and 
welcome friend of St. Cecile Lodge, who conceived the idea 
of the visit and carried it to a successful conclusion. Bro. 
John Wanamaker, Senior Warden of Friendship Lodge, No. 
400, of Jenkintown, Pa., one of the master minds of the na¬ 
tion, and other distinguished visitors were also among the 
guests. The assemblage was addressed by W. Bro. William 
B. Smith in a brilliant speech, every witticism bringing out 
applause, and he concluded his remarks by presenting to St. 
Cecile Lodge a beautiful loving cup, decorated with ribbons 
and inscribed as follows: 

I tell you there is generous warmth in good Masonic cheer; 

I tell you ’tis a loving thought to bring this symbol here. 

’Tis but the fool that loves excess—hast thou a drunken soul? 

Thy bane is in thy shallow skull, not in my silver bowl. 


238 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 



This handsome gift was accepted by W. Ero. Wallen in 
well-voiced thanks. Third degree was the work of the day, 
the regular officers of the lodge being ably assisted by M. W. 
John Stewart, P. G. M., and M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers. 

Several very interesting addresses were made by M. W. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers, W. Bro. Seltzer, Bro. John Wana- 
maker and others, after which W. Bro. Charles H. Govan 
told some new stories, and Bro. Ravmond Hitchcock con- 
vulsed his audience with a humorous recital of his career as 
a budding merchant prince. There were fine vocal solos by 
Bro. C. A. Wiley, of Harmony Lodge, Wo. 17, in addition to 
the instrumental music. The orchestra : 


Bro. FRED W. HAGER, Director. 
“ MAX F. SCHMIDT, 

“ WM. FENRICH. 

“ WM. L. RUSE, 

“ L. BEGIEBING, 

“ E. ERDMANN, 

“ G. M. PINTO, 

“ JOS. DE BONA. 

“ M. RICHTER. Violins. 

“ CHAS. E. BORGMAN, 

“ FRED. BLODGETT, 

“ CARL HACKERT, Violas. 

“ JOS. A. RILEY, 

“ JOHN MAGDALIN, ’Cellos. 


Bro. O. C. GRETT, 

“ I. WESSEL, Basses. 

“ F. MARTIN. 

“ E. KOENICKE, Cornets. 

“ JOHN DAUSCH, Oboe. 

“ F. SONTY. 

“ J. PFEIFFER, Trumpets. 
“ ED. BEISHEIM, Bassoon. 
“ A. PINTO, 

“ ED. PORTER. Flutes. 

“ THEO. PUSINELLI, 

“ H. HACKERT, Clarinets. 

“ R. IVERSON, 

“ H. ZILM, 















1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


239 


Bko. C. WOLF, Horns. 

“ GUS. MYERS. 

“ J. SCHILLING, Trombones. 
“ MARTIN SCHLIG. 


Bro. AUG. HELMECKE. 

“ H. FORSTER, Drums. 

“ JUSTUS RINGLEBEN, 

Accompanist. 


The printed programmes were illuminated with fine por¬ 
traits of AV. Bro. Ralph Seltzer, Master, and W. Bro. Smith, 
a Past Master of University Lodge, who has won for himself 
an enviable place in the esteem of St. Cecile members. 

In the evening there was an elaborate banquet at the Hotel 
Lafayette-Brevoort, followed by a smoking concert. There 
were a great many speeches, songs and toasts, but as the diners 
were scattered about in several adjoining rooms it was impos¬ 
sible to hear all. The bill of fare was ingeniously arranged 
as follows: 

MENU. 

H lilt res de Blue Points 

Hors d’CEuvres, Assortis 
Crfeme de Volaille, Sevigne 
au 

Passe Grand Maitre Stewart 


Escallopes of Sea Bass a la Seltzer 
Sauce Universite 


Filet de Bceuf 
a la 

Depute Grand Maitre du Tme District 
Pomrnes Eichelberg 


Choux-Fleurs Santas 
au 

President du Masonic Club 


Pigeon Grille sur Canape 
a la 

W. B. Smith 
Salade, St. C6cile 


Fantaisie, Wm. J. Duncan 
Petits Fours 


Fromage 


Cafe 


Fruits 









240 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 


Many of the diners pressed around W. Bro. Smith and 
Bro. John Wanamaker, and these two celebrated brethren 
were kept busy signing their autographs to the dinner cards, 
which were carried off as souvenirs. About midnight the 
visitors were escorted to their train, delighted with the ex¬ 
periences of the day. So highly pleased were the Philadelphia 
brethren with W. Bro. Smith’s able ministrations that they 
presented him with a beautiful watch, chain and charm as an 
expression of their appreciation. 

Winter and spring found much suffering among members 
of the lodge. Bro. Charles Skinner (Seymour) was very ill 
in Flower Hospital; Bro. William Young was compelled to 
undergo a painful operation in Roosevelt Hospital; Bro. 
Alexander Davis was ill in Grosvenor Hospital; Bro. Charles 
M. Carter was forced to give up work and go to Colorado in 
the hope of prolonging his life; W. Bro. John E. Morse 
was ill; Bro. Porter Colhouer sought the wilds of Arizona in 
search of health; Bro. Augustus P. Greene was ill, and sev¬ 
eral others were reported ailing, and the officers and many 
brethren of the lodge were constantly employed ministering 
to the sufferers. 

Among the appointments of the Grand Master announced 
in June was one that gratified members of St. Cecile Lodge, 
very much. It was that of W. Bro. George Loesch, who was 
honored with the office of Grand Director of Ceremonies. 
During his incumbency of the east W. Bro. Loesch rehearsed 
his entire staff of officers regularly under the guidance of 
the Assistant Grand Lecturer, thus insuring a high degree 
of proficiency in every station of the lodge, and in many 
other ways attained a high standard of excellence. At the 
first communication in July M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
on behalf of the lodge, presented R. W. Bro. Loesch with a 
gold embroidered apron appropriate to his station in the 
Grand Lodge. The presentation brought forth several stir¬ 
ring speeches indicative of the satisfaction which the appoint¬ 
ment had given to members of the lodge. 






WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1904. 
GRAND REPRESENTATIVE, 1907. 



































































1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


241 


CONCERTS AT THE HOME FOR INCURABLES. 

One of the noblest charities that St. Cecile Lodge ever 
undertook is that of providing entertainment for the inmates 
of the Home for Incurables at Fordham. The practice began 
soon after the admission of Bro. George S. Kobinson, of St. 
Cecile Lodge, to that magnificent institution and has con¬ 
tinued ever since. It would be an exceedingly difficult matter 
to decide which is most benefited by these entertainments, 
the sufferers or the noble-hearted entertainers who journey 
out to the Home to bestow a few moments of pleasure on 
those who have so little. Certainly every artist thanks God 
for his art when he witnesses those grateful sufferers for a 
brief time forgetting their helpless condition. The greatest 
stars in the theatrical world readily volunteer for this noble 
service, giving their valuable time gladly and cheerfully. 
The entertainment for Thursday, June 9, was as follows: 


PROGRAMME. 


St. Cecile Orchestra .Direction Bro. John Gennaro 

Bro. Raymond Hitchcock.“ Yankee Consul ” Company 

Bro. Jefferson De Angelis .... Accompanied by Bro. Burnside 

Bro. Charles Bigelow.“ Man from China ” Company 

Bro. Fred Mace.“ PifE Paff Pouf ” Company 

Jack Hazard . Monologue 

“ Yankee Consul ” Company. 

William Natjghton .Songs 

Lulu Glazer Company. 


Dan Yeager . . 
James Templeton 
Miss Pearl Evans 


“ Yankee Consul ” Company. 


‘ Ethiopianisms ” 
Irish Monologue 
. . . Songs 


James Larkins .Monologue 

Herbert Noble .Songsmith 

William Zinell .Bass Solo 

John H. Cowlishaw .Tenor Solo 


Yankee Consul ” Company. 















242 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 


The committee from the lodge was W. Bro. George E. 
Wallen, Bros. George Johnston, William E. Tway, William 

D. Lang and R. W. George Loesch. Mrs. George E. Wallen 
was at the head of the Ladies’ Committee. 

In every large organization of men gathered from the dif¬ 
ferent walks of life there is occasionally one who in a weak 
moment falls short of the standards set by his fellows and 
becomes amenable to the punishment due transgressors. It 
would be little short of a miracle if a lodge of such varied 
membership as that of St. Cecile did not at times find it 
necessary to discipline those who otherwise would bring dis¬ 
credit upon the beloved institution. There have been but 
four times in the near half century of the lodge’s existence 
that the power vested in it to punish has been exercised by 
St. Cecile Lodge. The last case of this nature was disposed 
of in June, when the culprit was pronounced guilty by a trial 
commission, after careful consideration of all the evidence. 
His expulsion by the lodge promptly followed. “ Judge 
with candor, admonish with wisdom, let justice be tempered 
with mercy.” 

Speak gently of the erring—oh, do not forget 

However darkly stained by sin, he is thy brother yet; 

Heir of the selfsame heritage, child of the selfsame God, 

He hath but stumbled in the path thou hast in weakness trod.— Lee. 

“ Breakfast at eleven and dinner at five ” was the magnet 
that attracted the brethren to College Point, Thursday, July 
28 . It was the fifth annual outing of the lodge, and, like 
similar previous affairs, was well attended. The fresh air, 
the exhilarating ride on the boat and the outdoor exercise 
combined to provoke an appetite in the most dyspeptic. A 
brass band composed of members of the lodge provided popu¬ 
lar music at intervals. The day was fair and the outing was 
a pronounced success. The committee consisted of Bros. A. 

E. O’Connor, William A. Baird, William E. Tway, John J. 
Dowers, William D. Lang and George Hackenberger. 

During the summer tragedy entered into the elements of 


1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


243 


lodge life and a new cause of sorrow quickly dispelled the 
spirit of mirth. Bro. Charles G. Skinner, well known under 
his stage name of Seymour as a popular fun maker, who had 
been ill for some time, suddenly became deranged and on 
August 1 disappeared from his caretakers. His lifeless body 
was found several days later in the East River. He was 
given Masonic burial by the lodge. The brethren had 
scarcely recovered from this sad occurrence when it was re¬ 
ported that Dr. Albert W. Warden had died on August 9 
of blood poisoning contracted a few days before while per¬ 
forming a delicate surgical operation upon a patient. The 
brethren of the lodge assembled at the residence, in the 
town of Union, H. J., on the 13th, and performed the Masonic 
funeral rites. The Masonic attendance was large. The in¬ 
terment took place later in Vermont. Dr. Warden was a 
tall man, of distinguished appearance, and his earnest, warm¬ 
hearted disposition won for him a host of friends who sin¬ 
cerely deplored his death. A school teacher, army surgeon 
and practising physician, his experience embraced many 
phases of life. He was devoted to St. Cecile Lodge, and 
always attended meetings when his duties permitted. 

Still another sad death occurred in the membership. Bro. 
George S. Robinson, formerly an actor of ability, who had 
been resident at the Home for Incurables about two years, 
died October 2, of locomotor ataxia. He was a brave man. 
Successively losing the power of motion and •the senses of 
sight, smelling, feeling and taste, though at no time deprived 
of reason, he yet bore his appalling affliction with that 
heroic fortitude of which we sometimes read, but which 
we seldom meet. He never faltered in his simple faith in 
God’s mercy, believing that “ all things work together for 
good to those who love the Lord.” It was in his behalf that 
St. Cecile Lodge inaugurated the entertainments which are 
given several times each year at the Home. His fortitude 
was truly Masonic. Instead of idly bemoaning his plight and 
seeking sympathy, this blind and absolutely helpless brother 


244 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 


would actually try to entertain the brethren who visited him 
by telling humorous stories and delivering recitations which 
he would from time to time memorize by the aid of friends 
who would read to him! 

The Masonic Home at Utica was the principal theme of 
E. W. William J. Wiley, District Deputy of the Seventh, 
upon the occasion of his official visit to the lodge November 
15. E. W. Bro. Wiley made a special appeal in behalf of 
the proposition to impose a tax of fifty cents on each member 
for the benefit of the Home. At the conclusion of his address 
a motion to indorse the plan was promptly passed. The 
Master then gracefully presented the District Deputy with 
a beautiful cut-glass flower vase as a memento of his visit. 
E. W. Bro. Wiley was pleased with this evidence of esteem, 
and thanked the lodge for the splendid welcome he had re¬ 
ceived. 

Among the visitors to the lodge on that day was W. Bro. 
William B. Smith, the popular Past Master of University 
Lodge, Philadelphia, who came as a special envoy to invite 
St. Cecile to visit University Lodge upon the occasion of 
its ninth anniversary, Friday, November 25. 


EXCURSION BY THE LODGE TO PHILADELPHIA. 

While St. Cecile has acted as host upon innumerable occa¬ 
sions, the brethren have seldom found opportunity to partake 
in a body of the hospitality of others. It was with some 
misgiving, therefore, that the invitation of University Lodge 
to visit Philadelphia was considered. It was finally decided 
to accept the invitation, hoping that a sufficient number 
could get leave of absence from their engagements to make 
a respectable numerical showing. Those in charge of the 
excursion were agreeably surprised at the number of applica¬ 
tions for tickets. The Committee of Arrangements consisted 
of E. W. George Loesch, E. W. Eobert Eecker, W. Bros. 


1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


245 


James H. Curtin, Charles H. Govan, Bros. George Johnston, 
William E. Tway and H. W. Roe. W. Bro. Curtin, who had 
charge of transportation, arranged for a special train. The 
brethren gathered in Jersey City at eleven o’clock in the 
morning, and when all had arrived it was found that there 
were just one hundred and sixty-three in the party. Each of 
the pilgrims wore an appropriate badge upon his breast. The 
train departed promptly at eleven-thirty. Jenkintown was 
reached without mishap, and there a committee from Uni¬ 
versity Lodge boarded the train and extended a welcome that 
lasted all the way into the city. Upon arrival the brethren 
were at once escorted to the magnificent Masonic Temple of 
Philadelphia. University Lodge was holding a special com¬ 
munication and the visitors were promptly admitted. The 
welcoming words of the Master at once placed the brethren 
at their ease. W. Bro. George E. Wallen and other Masters 
were invited to the east and cordially welcomed. Third de¬ 
gree was the work, and the New Yorkers viewed the proceed¬ 
ings with profound interest. At the close of the communica¬ 
tion well-informed brethren took the visitors in charge and 
showed them the wonders of the Temple, after which light 
refreshments were served. At seven in the evening the regu¬ 
lar communication of University Lodge was held. After 
routine business had been disposed of R. W. George Loesch, 
of St. Cecile, delivered an eloquent address, concluding by 
presenting to University Lodge a handsome silver square and 
compasses for the lodge altar. In accepting the gift on behalf 
of University Lodge W. Bro. William B. Smith delivered 
an address which was greeted with applause. An elaborate 
banquet followed the closing of the lodge, of which nearly 
seven hundred diners partook, more than four hundred being 
seated in the main hall, while the remainder were distributed 
in adjoining rooms opening on the great dining hall. 

The arrangements left nothing more to be desired; they 
were perfect. All the visitors were seated in the main hall, 
and each found on either side a brother of University Lodge. 


246 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 


The toast-master was W. Bro. William B. Smith. Among the 
toasts and those who responded to them were: “ Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania/’ R. W. George W. Kendrick, D. G. M.; 
“ Grand Lodge of New York/’ B. W. John Gardner, G. 
Treas.; “ The Fraternal Spirit of Freemasonry,” Bro. John 
Wanamaker; “ Freemasonry and Scholarship,” W. Bro. John 
L. Kinsey; “ St. Cecile and University,” W. Bro. George W. 
Kendrick, third; “ Freemasonry in the Empire State,” M. W. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers. The appearance of W. Bro. Charles 
H. Govan, of St. Cecile, was the signal for an outburst of 
applause. He started the fun with a humorous speech, which 
provoked an exceedingly witty rejoinder from W. Bro. George 
S. Graham, a prominent member of the Philadelphia bar. 
The melodious strains of a superb orchestra, discoursing at in¬ 
tervals popular airs, intermingled with the lively flow of 
conversation. There were vocal solos by Bro. H. W. Roe, 
of St. Cecile, and other talented artists, all the diners joining 
in the choruses. The banquet, with its many pleasant fea¬ 
tures, consumed several hours, and at midnight the New 
Yorkers reluctantly left the scene of the festivities and made 
their way to the railroad station. They arrived in Jersey 
City at three o’clock in the morning, having nothing but 
words of praise for the princely hospitality displayed by the 
brethren of the Quaker City. 

Among the unique souvenirs of the trip was a splendidly 
printed booklet, bound in lambskin, in the form of a Masonic 
apron, bordered with blue, given with the compliments of 
University Lodge to every, visitor. Each one was also pre¬ 
sented by Bro. John Wanamaker with a copy of the Rev. 
Charles Wagner’s “ Simple Life.” Still another memento 
received by each was an engraving of the apron of George 
Washington, the distinguished exemplar of Freemasonry, 
presented with the compliments of R. W. George P. Rupp, 
Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Bro. Wil¬ 
liam Poillon, Curator of the American Numismatic Society, 
a member of St. Cecile, presented every participant with 


1904 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


247 


an aluminum medal struck off in honor of the event, of which 
a picture is here given, together with the badge used by the 
excursionists: 



FRONT. 


REVERSE. 


BADGE. 


Each of the diners also received from St. Cecile Lodge a 
handsome booklet, prepared by R. W. George Loesch. Here 
is the itinerary of the pilgrimage: 


ITINERARY OF ST. CECILE’S TRIP TO UNIVERSITY, 
* November 25, 1904. 

Dress—Black Clothes, Prince Albert Frock or Cutaway. 

A.M. 

11.25—Leave foot of Liberty Street, Central R. R. of New Jersey. 
11.45—Leave Jersey City on special “ St. Cecile Train.” 






248 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1904 


11.55—Distribution of Souvenir Booklets and Handsome Souvenir Badges. 
Luncheon, Cigars and Refreshments en route. 

P.M. 

1.30—Train boarded at Jenkintown by Reception Committee of Uni¬ 
versity Lodge. 

1.45— Arrive in Philadelphia—Reading Terminal. 

2.00—Procession of Delegates into University Lodge—Welcomed by 
the Worshipful Master. 

2.05—Introductions of Most Wor. Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, 
Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, 7th District Deputy Grand 
Master of New York State and M. W. John Stewart, Past 
Grand Master., 

2.10—Introduction of Right Wor. Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 

2.20—Conferring of Third Degree by University Lodge. 

4.45— Inspection of Temple. Explanatory lecture in each room and 

corridor. 

6.15— Informal half hour, affording the brethren an opportunity for the 

exchange of felicitations. 

6.45— Regular meeting of University Lodge. 

7.45— Presentation to University from St. Cecile of beautiful Square 

and Compasses. 

8.15— Banquet in Grand Banquet Hall. 

11.15—Singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” by all the Brethren. 

12.00 Midnight—Leave Reading Terminal on special St. Cecile Train. 

2.15— Arrive in New York, foot ojf Liberty St. 

. .. 

In order to propitiate the fdminine portion of their house¬ 
holds, the brethren of St. Cecile decided to give the ladies an 
afternoon of music and vaudeville, followed by a dinner. The 
Commandery Room was obtained for Tuesday, December 13, 
and handsomely decorated. There was a long bill of varied 
attractions, and duririg~the intermission light refreshments 
were served. In the evening about one hundred adjourned 
to the Hotel Kensington, where a dinner was served, with 
music. The committee consisted of Bros. William E. Tway, 
Gustav A. Myers, Arthur C. G. Weld, William D. Lang and 
Frederic W. Hager. 

Certainly no one could truthfully accuse the lodge of being 
inactive during the year. At the annual communication it 
was reported that there had been twenty-eight stated com¬ 
munications, two specials and seven emergent, thirty-seven 
meetings in all. Seven members were lost by death, five 


1905 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


249 


dimitted to other lodges, three were dropped from the roll, 
two others were dropped at their own request. The gain 
was forty-two raised, five affiliated from other lodges and 
three restored. The Rev. Bro. Thomas Gilbert Losee, of 
Montauk Lodge, No. 286, was elected to honorary member¬ 
ship. W. Bro. George E. Wallen firmly declined a re-election, 
owing to the pressure of business engagements, and Bro. 
George Johnston was thereupon elected Master. Bro. Wil¬ 
liam E. Tway was elected Senior Warden, and Bro. George 
Hackenberger Junior Warden. The Master-elect announced 
his appointments, and all the officers were then installed by 
M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, assisted by B. W. George Loesch 
as Grand Marshal. 


1905. 

W. Bro. George Johnston (Printer).—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, No. 568, March 29, 1898. Appointed Senior 
Master of Ceremonies, 1899; Senior Deacon, 1902; elected 
Junior Warden, 1903; Senior Warden, 1904; Master, 1905. 

The coincidence of two members of the same family presiding simul¬ 
taneously as Masters of two metropolitan lodges was the unusual expe¬ 
rience of Bro. Thomas Johnston, of Day Star Lodge, No. 798, and his 
brother, George Johnston, of St. Cecile Lodge. These brothers had the 
unique pleasure of exchanging visits while presiding in the East. W. 
Bro. George Johnston, of St. Cecile, is a native of the celebrated city 
of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was born January 6, 1854. In early 
life he had a thrilling escape from death by shipwreck off the coast of 
Portugal, the family barely escaping with their lives. Bro. Johnston 
attended the celebrated Lancasterian School ®f John and Robert Dun, 
well-known to all Scotchmen. After leaving school he learned his trade 
in the office of the “ Courant,” established in 1705, one of the first news¬ 
papers ever published. He came to America in 1873, and has been con¬ 
tinuously employed on the New York “ Herald ” ever since, being one 
of the oldest employees in point of service. W. Bro. Johnston is known 
as a conservative, honest, painstaking man, and as Master made a sub¬ 
stantial record for strict adherence to the ancient landmarks. 

Dignitaries of the highest standing in the Empire State 
and from foreign jurisdictions have frequently spent a pleas- 


250 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


ant hour assisting in the work of the lodge, ofttimes enter¬ 
taining the brethren with anecdotes of travel or perchance 
a song. One of the visitors in January who was welcomed 
in a manner befitting his high standing was R. W. Edward 
Terry, an actor of international fame, formerly Treasurer of 
the Grand Lodge of England. Bro. Terry courteously re¬ 
sponded to the invitation of the Master, and during the 
refreshment hour entertained the brethren with stories of his 
travels, concluding with inimitable recitations, depicting sev¬ 
eral odd characters, and was greeted with generous applause. 

Singularly fortunate has St. Cecile Lodge been in always 
securing at the Secretary’s desk men of ability, high char¬ 
acter, experience and courtesy. During all the years since 
the inception of the lodge but four electives have occupied 
that important post. All have been men well fortified with 
knowledge of Masonic jurisprudence and familiar with the 
peculiarities of the theatrical profession—two absolute essen¬ 
tials to success in St. Cecile Lodge. It would seem almost 
impossible to find in many men these necessary qualities. 
Yet Bro. David Graham, the first Secretary, was such a 
man, and gave satisfaction as long as he desired to hold the 
position. W. Bro. George F. Ilsley followed, with four years’ 
service. Then Bro. Laurence O’Reilly took charge of the 
books, and for the next eleven years his familiar features were 
seldom absent from his post. It was his unerring judgment 
which led him to beg Bro. Harry W. Roe, the popular bari¬ 
tone, to accept the position, which he agreed to do only after 
earnest solicitation. It was a wise choice, for the present 
efficient Secretary is the most popular official the lodge has 
ever had in that position. Years of experience have proved 
that he is not only equal to the increasing responsibilities of 
the position, but absolute master of its every detail. With 
such efficient aid at his left, upon whose wise counsel he can 
depend in any emergency, it would be difficult for the most 
inexperienced executive to make serious error in transacting 
the lodge business. 


19051 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


251 


The brethren of the lodge, realizing that faithful service 
deserved a suitable recognition, decided to surprise Bro. Roe 
upon the twenty-fifth anniversary of his membership with an 
expression of their appreciation. The gift took the form of 
highly eulogistic resolutions adopted by vote of the lodge. 
These were elaborately engrossed in book form, bound in 
leather. At the same time there was a substantial increase 
in the recipient’s salary. The presentation was made, as one 
enthusiastic brother remarked, by the u best Grand Secretary 
to the best lodge Secretary.” Certainly M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers has rarely had a duty to perform which manifestly 
gave him the genuine pleasure that this occasion provided. 
His words went direct to the heart, awaking there responsive 
chords. Bro. Roe tried to “ talk back,” but gave it up. 

Notwithstanding the unusual inclemency of the weather 
the annual reception, at the Lexington Avenue Opera House, 
on Thursday, March 9, was like those of previous years, a 
magnificent affair successfully carried out. The early hours 
of the evening were devoted to vaudeville entertainment, in 
which the volunteers were the best in the city, artists of 
acknowledged excellence. After the stage performance the 
floor was cleared for dancing, the grand march being led by 
W. Bro. George Johnston and wife, followed by several hun¬ 
dred couples. The elaborate decorations, rich costumes of 
the beautiful ladies and the delightful music combined to 
produce a scene of surpassing splendor. R. W. Robert Recker 
was in charge of the orchestra, and the chairmen of the 
various committees were as follows: Entertainment, Bro. 
William E. Tway; Reception, R. W. George Loesch; Floor, 
Bro. Philip S. Friedenberg; Ushers, Bro. John J. Dowers. 
There was the usual big crowd present, and the affair was 
voted a complete success. There was a small balance turned 
into the treasury, which was considered worthy of a special 
vote of thanks. Resolutions thanking all concerned were 
later adopted by the lodge. 

Several brethren took note of the fact that the year was 


252 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


the fortieth of the lodge’s existence and suggested that some¬ 
thing unusual should be done to commemorate the event. 
R. W. Bro. George Loesch, at the meeting of April 18, intro¬ 
duced a resolution “ That some time during the year the 
lodge give a grand afternoon concert in aid of some Masonic 
charity.” The undertaking was to be in the nature of a 
thank-offering for the years of prosperity enjoyed by the 
lodge. R. W. Bro. Loesch was appointed chairman of the 
committee to arrange the details. 

The pleasant duty of expressing to W. Bro. George Wallen 
the sentiments held by members of the lodge toward him fell 
to Bro. William E. Tway. It would he difficult to decide 
which of the twain was most pleased when on behalf of the 
lodge the Senior Warden presented to the former Master a 
beautiful bronze clock and candelabra as a mark of apprecia¬ 
tion from the members. Bro. Wallen expressed his gratitude 
in a few earnest words of thanks. 


LAST SURVIVOR OF ORIGINAL PETITIONERS DEAD. 

It was learned that on April 20 there passed away at his 
home in Brooklyn the last surviving signer of the original 
petition to form St. Cecile Lodge. Bro. James Mills, who 
worked at his trade as a union printer until a short time be¬ 
fore his death, was the last of the founders to lay down the 
working tools of life. He had not attended lodge meeting 
for many years, having dropped out of the lodge in 1874. 
The deaths of the nine petitioners occurred as follows: 

April 6, 1877—Bro. David Graham (8), in Morrisania, N. Y. 

April 16, 1886—Bro. Henry Tissington (9), in New York. 

July 10, 1892—Bro. George W. Morgan (6), in Tacoma, Wash. 

July 17, 1893—R. W. Frederick Widdows (1), in Washington, D. G. 
April 5, 1896—Bro. James R. Thomas (5), in New York. 

March 13, 1897—W. Bro. George F. Ilsley (2), in Brooklyn. 

June 30, 1900—Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr. (3), in Middletown, N. Y. 
Aug. 16, 1901—W. Bro. Myron A. Decker (7), in New York. 

April 20, 1905—Bro. James Mills (4), Brooklyn. 





WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1905 




1905 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


253 


It was decided to have an outing in July and Bro. George 
W. Hackenberger was appointed chairman of the Outing 
Committeee. 

As in previous winter months there were a great number of 
brethren reported ill. Bro. Alva M. Holbrook met with a 
painful accident, snapping a tendon in one of his legs; Bro. 
William A. Sanders was reported seriously ill; Bro. Thomas 
Porter Colhouer was obliged to remain in Arizona in his 
search for health; Bro. Charles M. Carter, left Colorado and 
sought the balmy atmosphere of Southern California; Bro. 
Joseph Babcock was laid up with a broken hip in the Sibley 
Hospital, Washington, D. C.; Bro. George Kamseyer was 
reported seriously ill, as was also W. Bro. John E. Morse; 
Bro. Benjamin E. Hays was very ill; Bro. Douglas Gordon 
unfortunately trod upon a nail, which pierced his foot, caus¬ 
ing a serious wound; Bro. A. Durbrow was attacked with a 
fatal illness in Boston; Bro. A. D. Shippaugh was ill; Bro. 
Augustus P. Greene was suffering from cancer in Lincoln 
Hospital; Bro. John W. Swackhammer fractured a leg, and 
there were minor complaints from a host of others, giving 
ample opportunity to display in a practical manner one of 
the principal tenets of Masonic profession. 

In behalf of a brother who had been expelled from the 
lodge in 1891, for cause, it was urged that some injustice had 
been done the defendant by the commissioners refusing to 
accept certain testimony in his behalf during the trial. After 
some discussion it was decided to reopen the case and give it 
full consideration. Another commission was thereupon ap¬ 
pointed, which in due time reported that, after a careful hear¬ 
ing of all the evidence, they recommended that the brother 
be restored to full membership. The lodge was accordingly 
summoned, and after extended discussion of the matter the 
recommendation of the commission was adopted and the 
brother restored. 

It was learned with sorrow that Colonel Augustus P. 
Greene, U. S. A., retired, had passed away at Lincoln Hos- 


254 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


pital on May 31. He bore his sufferings with fortitude and 
met death bravely. He had long suffered from a cancer. 
The funeral was held in the Temple, June 2. There was a 
large gathering of friends to pay the last tribute. Masonic 
services were conducted by W. Bro. George Johnston, assisted 
by members of St. Cecile Lodge, Corinthian Chapter, R. A. 
M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, K. T.; Masonic Veterans, and 
others. There were also delegations of the G. A. R. present. 
Bro. Greene was a small man physically, but was large of 
heart. He was a man of simplicity and integrity, regular in 
attendance at lodge whenever his physical disabilities per¬ 
mitted him to leave his residence, and took a lively interest 
in everything pertaining to Freemasonry. In the earlier 
years of his life he fought with the United States Army in 
Mexico, and was Captain of Engineers in the Fifteenth Hew 
York Volunteers during the Civil War. He afterward re¬ 
mained in the regular service of the Government and was 
stationed in the far West for a number of years. 

During the Communication of June 20 Bro. Charles Mil¬ 
ler Williams, Historian of the lodge, presented in manuscript 
form a story of the activities of the lodge since its constitu¬ 
tion in 1865. The history filled about three hundred and 
fifty pages of legal cap, and included a brief reference to 
everything of general interest suitable for publication which 
had occurred during the forty years of the lodge’s existence. 
On motion the manuscript was accepted and the Historian 
formally thanked for his effort. The Historian was then 
appointed to prepare the manuscript for publication in book 
form. 

Extremely hardy and vigorous in mind and body, despite 
the length of years with which he has been blessed, is Bro. 
Thomas S. Nedham, sole survivor of the officers of 1865. 
Although nearing the century mark, during recent years he 
has travelled to Norway, to the Klondike, and to other distant 
places of interest. He apparently thinks lightly of a trip 
across the Atlantic, and when in the summer of 1905 he an- 


1905] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


255 


nounced his departure for another trip across the ocean to 
visit friends in England the brethren vied with each other 
in extending good wishes for a safe return. 

Never was there a finer day for an outing than the 27th 
of July. The sail over the waters of the Sound to College 
Point, enlivened with stirring airs by the band, under leader¬ 
ship of Bro. Frederick W. Hager, and bursts of song from 
the brethren, combined to make an excursion long to be re¬ 
membered with pleasure. At the grounds sports in the field 
whetted the appetites of all, and there were no truants when 
the gong sounded the call to the dinner table. Bro. Jefferson 
De Angelis was master of field sports, while B. W. John Mc¬ 
Millan umpired the ball game, giving an exhibition of self- 
restraint under provocation which evoked admiration. Prizes 
were carried off by Bros. P. T. Duncan, F. E. Erdmann, 
Leon Baradet, H. Schaffer, H. Jones and R. Melville, also 
by W. Bro. E. B. Pierdon, of Alma Lodge, No. 728. About 
three hundred sat down to dinner. The trophies were pre¬ 
sented by R. W. George Loeschj and among others included 
a handsome bronze statuette of Mercury, which was presented 
to the brethren of Polar Star Lodge for athletic prowess. 
There were brethren present from University Lodge, Phila¬ 
delphia, as well as a number of Grand Lodge officers. Bro. 
George W. Hackenberger, chairman of the committee, re¬ 
ceived a great deal of praise for the success of the excursion. 

One of those enjoyable entertainments which St. Cecile 
Lodge delights to give for the sufferers at the Home for In¬ 
curables was acknowledged as follows: 

To the Officers and Members of St. Cecile Lodge. 

My Dear Sirs : It affords me great pleasure to extend to you the 
sincere thanks of our patients who were able to hear Bro. Schmidt’s 
Orchestra on Thursday afternoon last. Words cannot express what a 
treat such an entertainment is to our inmates, the majority of whom are 
obliged to stay indoors during the long winter months. It is exceedingly 
gratifying to see with what willingness the members of St. Cecile Lodge, 
through their worthy brothers William Lang and the other members of 
the committee, come up here and give us these excellent entertainments, 


256 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


and I am sure, inasmuch as they do it to brighten the lives of the 
afflicted, that not only their lodge but the great order at large will be 
more blessed and prosper more abundantly in consequence thereof. 

Very gratefully yours, 

Israel C. Jones, M.D., Supt . 

In the early days of St. Cecile Lodge it had no stancher 
friend and supporter than M. W. Robert D. Holmes, P. G. 
M., who was intimately acquainted with all the founders of 
the lodge. It has been said that the name of the lodge was 
suggested as a compliment to his beloved wife, Cecile Robir r 
a lady of remarkable beauty, celebrated for her exceptional 
accomplishments. Miss Grace Cecile Holmes, his only daugh¬ 
ter, and sole surviving member of the family, died August 25, 
in the old family residence, in Barrow Street, where she had 
resided for more than thirty years. As her death occurred 
in vacation time, when members of the lodge were widely 
scattered, there was no formal action taken by the lodge. 


PASSING OF SEVERAL OLD MEMBERS. 

Intelligence of the death of Bro. Charles Puerner, which 
occurred in Munich, July 28, reached the lodge long after¬ 
ward. Bro. Puerner was well known as an orchestra leader 
in Hew York. He was a pupil of Pranz Liszt. He wrote 
many operatic compositions, one of which was “ The Robber 
of the Rhine ” and another, “ The Pyramid/’ which were 
well received. He was a native of Norfolk, Va., and joined 
St. Cecile Lodge March 28, 1893. 

Two other deaths occurred which took from the lodge old 
and esteemed members. Bro. John M. Lander affiliated with 
St. Cecile June 19, 1866, and continued in good standing 
all the years until his death, on October 7, 1905. Bro. Lander 
was a musician of much celebrity. As a mere lad he appeared 
in public concerts as a pianist. During his lifetime he en¬ 
joyed the acquaintance and favor of the wealthiest and most 
influential of Knickerbocker families, and for many years 


1905 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


257 


no function in the upper circles of exclusive New York society 
was complete without the presence of Lander’s Orchestra to 
provide the music. He frequently furnished the music at 
St. Cecile Lodge receptions, the last occasion being shortly 
before he was taken with his fatal illness. At the request of 
the family there were no Masonic services at the funeral. 

Another old member to pass away was Bro. George Bam- 
seyer, who died suddenly October 16. The Masonic service 
for the dead was conducted by W. Bro. George Johnston, 
assisted by a delegation of brethren, at the residence, in 
Dobb’s Ferry. Members of Diamond Lodge, No. 555, were 
also present. The interment was in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. 
Bro. Bamseyer was a man of much more than ordinary char¬ 
acter and ability; aside from his business training he was 
an orator of rare power. In his prosperous days he was a 
manufacturer of piano stools, with a large business. . Bro. 
Bamseyer was a public spirited man. He was a member of 
the School Board of Dobb’s Ferry, and was known to all 
as an upright Christian gentleman, ever ready to place him¬ 
self at the service of his fellow-men. He was raised in St. 
Cecile, July 2, 1872. 

GREAT CONCERT GIVEN IN AID OF CHARITY. 

There are few organizations of any kind, even in the great 
city of New York, that would be able to originate and carry 
to a successful conclusion a concert of the magnitude of that 
given by St. Cecile Lodge in Carnegie Hall on Sunday after¬ 
noon, October 29, in aid of the Masonic Sanatorium Fund. 
The splendid success of this great thank-offering, in grateful 
acknowledgment of forty years of prosperity, was a fine 
tribute to the popularity of St. Cecile. Seldom upon the 
same platform are so many eminent musicians gathered. 
Among the notable volunteers were Mme. Lillian Blauvelt, 
the renowned soprano; John Philip Sousa, the march king, 
who came from a distant city especially to be present; Victor- 


258 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


Herbert, the famous operatic composer; Walter Damrosch, 
the leading symphony conductor of America; Nahan Eranko 
violinist of international fame and operatic conductor; 
Gwilym Miles, the great baritone soloist, and three hundred 
trained singers from the great Brooklyn Oratorio Society, 
under the leadership of Walter Henry Hall, the eminent 
choral conductor. Then there was the magnificent orchestra 
of one hundred and fifty musicians picked from the best in 
the United States. It will be a long time, it is believed, be¬ 
fore the metropolis will see the equal of this grand testimonial 
given by so many talented volunteers. The audience, which 
filled the vast edifice, included the Grand Master and many 
members of his official staff, besides nearly all the prominent 
Masons of the city. Every number of the programme was 
enthusiastically applauded, and most of them encored. The 
complete bill follows: 


PROGRAMME. 

Hallelujah Chorus from “ Messiah,”.Handel 

Brooklyn Oratorio Society, 

Conductor, Mr. Walter Henry Hall. 

“ Rakoczy,” march from “ Faust,”.Berlioz 

Baritone Solo, prologue from “ Pagliacci,”.Leoncavallo 

Mr. Gwilym Miles. 

“ Grand American Fantasie,”.Herbert 

Conductor, Mr. Victor Herbert. 

■“ Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2,”.Liszt 

Conductor, Mr. Nahan Franko. 

*“ The King of France,” from “ Three Quotations,”.Sousa 

“ Stars and Stripes Forever,” march,.Sousa 

Conductor, Mr. John Philip Sousa. 

Overture, “ Tannhauser,”.Wagner 

Aria, “ Una Voce,” from “ Barbier de Seville,”.Rossini 

Mme. Lillian Blauvelt. 

•“ Slav,” march.Tschaikowsky 

Conductor, Mr. Walter Damrosch. 


Wotan’s Farewell and Magic Fire Scene,” from “ Die Walkure,” Wagner 
Conductor, Mr. Nahan Franko. 











1905 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


259 


It is rare indeed that music lovers have spread before them 
so extraordinary an offering. All honor to those noble hearts 
which responded to the call for volunteers on this occasion. 
Letters expressing the appreciation of the lodge were later 
sent to each of the artists participating. Two handsome floral 
pieces were also sent by the lodge to Mme. Blauvelt as a 
slight acknowledgment. By the generosity of these renowned 
musicians the lodge realized $1,437.14, which was turned 
over to the Hall and Asylum Trustees. 

The preparations made by the lodge for this monster con¬ 
cert were very elaborate and complete. From early in the 
spring unusual activity characterized the committee, and as 
the date drew near the anxiety to complete the arrangements 
so that there might be no disappointments greatly increased. 
Few can realize the number of exacting details necessary to 
such a project. R. W. Bro. Loesch worked day and night at 
the herculean task of securing volunteers, and the recurrent 
difficulties and disappointments that beset his path would 
fill a book. He persevered, however, and it was solely through 
his efforts that the four great conductors, the soloists and 
the great orchestra were secured. It all required great genius 
for organization, but Bro. Loesch was determined to make 
the event his monument in St. Cecile, and how well he suc¬ 
ceeded can best be judged by the results. The Executive 
Committee consisted of R. W. George Loesch, W. Bros. 
William B. Clayton and George E. Wallen, and Bro. 
William E. Tway. The one regrettable incident in connec¬ 
tion with this magnificent affair was the sudden serious ill¬ 
ness of R. W. George Loesch at a time when all the arrange¬ 
ments had been practically completed. This was particularly 
distressing to him, as he was the originator of the undertak¬ 
ing, had written the booklet about it and had labored assidu¬ 
ously to make this the greatest affair in the history of the 
lodge. No one who has never engineered so great an under¬ 
taking can adequately conceive the immense amount of work 
necessary to make it a striking success. It was exceedingly 


260 ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS [1905 

discouraging to be forced to relinquish cherished plans and 
take to a bed of illness in St. Luke’s Hospital just as the goal 
was in sight. His anxiety as to the ultimate success of the un¬ 
dertaking doubtless retarded his recovery and he was confined 
to his room in the hospital for weeks. When Bro. Loesch 
was compelled to retire the burden of the uncompleted work 
fell upon the shoulders of the capable and willing brethren 
of the Executive Committee, who carried the plans to a suc¬ 
cessful conclusion. Bro. Tway attended to all matters con¬ 
cerning the souvenir book and other printing; W. Bro. George 
E. Wallen took charge of the tickets, advertising and press; 
the orchestra and music were in the hands of W. Bro. Clayton, 
aided by Bros. Fred L. Blodgett, Ered W. Ecke, August 
Helleberg, August Helmecke, Jr., Henry Hess, Robert W. 
Iverson, Ered La Croix, Joseph M. Laendner, Ered J. See, 
A. Van de Putte and August W. Zeiss. The Committee on 
Musical Library comprised Bros. August Helleberg, Henry 
Hess and August W. Zeiss. 

The General Committee was as follows: R. W. George 
Loesch, R. W. Robert Recker, W. Bros. William B. Clayton, 
James H. Curtin and George E. Wallen, Bros. Ered L. Blod¬ 
gett, Fred W. Ecke, F. Ernest Erdmann, William Fenrich, 
Herman P. Forster, Fred W. Hager, August Helleberger, 
August Helmecke, Jr., Henry Hess, Robert W. Iverson, Gus¬ 
tav A. Kirker, Albert Krausse, Fred La Croix, Joseph M. 
Laendner, Gustav A. Myers, Herman Perlet, Frank Stretz, 
Martin J. Schlig, Fred J. See, Maurice F. Smith, William 
E. Tway, I. Van de Putte, Arthur Cyril Gordon Weld, Isi¬ 
dore Witmark, August W. Zeiss and Herman E. Zilm. 

In due time the following acknowledgment was received 
by the lodge from the Trustees of the Hall and Asylum Fund, 
which was read in open lodge. The brethren expressed great 
satisfaction that so large a sum had been realized by the 
entertainment. 


1905] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


261 



RECEIPT FROM HALL AND ASYLUM TRUSTEES. 



















262 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


Office of Trustees of Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. 

New York, March 21, 1906. 

Treasurer St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

Dear Sir and Bro. : The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum 
Fund beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 20th inst., 
inclosing check for $1,437.14, the net proceeds of a concert given by St. 
Cecile Lodge in aid of the Masonic Sanatorium Fund. 

Inclosed please find regular receipt. In addition the Trustees feel 
that they cannot refrain from expressing their highest appreciation of 
the energetic efforts of the brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, the evidence 
of which is this magnificent result. 

Kindly convey to the brethren of St. Cecile Lodge the assurances of 
our high appreciation of their noble efforts in behalf of the Masonic Sana¬ 
torium Fund. Fraternally, 

Frank E. Haff, Secretary. 

Per F. J. Milligan. 

Especially interesting also to St. Cecile Lodge members 
was the splendid address of M. W. Frank Hurd Robinson, 
Grand Master, before the annual session of the grand body 
on May 2. In the course of his remarks the Grand Master 
was pleased to say: 

“ The Grand Master and his staff had the pleasure of at¬ 
tending the concert in the Carnegie Music Hall, this city, 
given under the auspices of St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, for 
the benefit of the Masonic Sanatorium Fund. The concert 
was of the very highest order and appealed to all as without 
doubt the most thrilling, inspiring and best rendered music 
that it has ever been their pleasure to hear. A full pro¬ 
gramme is appended to this address in order that due credit 
may be given to the celebrated musicians who favored us and 
to place on permanent record the generosity of St. Cecile 
Lodge, which added the sum of $1,437.14 to this, fund.” 

There was a large gathering of brethren to receive the rep¬ 
resentative of the Grand Master upon the occasion of his 
official visit, November 21. R. W. Frederick P. Hammond 
was accompanied by a large delegation of the Masters of the 
district when he entered the Commandery Room. After be¬ 
ing welcomed by W. Bro. George Johnston, the District 
Deputy addressed the lodge in glowing terms, complimenting 
the brethren upon their splendid efforts in behalf of the vari- 


1905 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


263 


ous charities. Before taking his departure the District Dep¬ 
uty was addressed by W. Bro. George E. Wallen, who pre¬ 
sented him with a handsome souvenir from the lodge. Choice 
musical selections were contributed during the refreshment 
hour by Bro. Burke, of Herbert’s Orchestra, violin, and Bro. 
Pfeiffer, ’cello. The receipts at the Secretary’s desk were 
$558.50 for the day, which was considered substantial evi¬ 
dence of the interest of the members. 

By way of statistics, it is interesting as well as instructive 
to notice how extensively the nationalities are represented in 
the membership of St. Cecile Lodge. As intimated else¬ 
where in these pages, the members have been gathered from 
nearly every country on earth. Some idea of the univer¬ 
sality of the membership may be gained from the following 


table: 




United States . . . 

... 616 

Australia . . . 

2 

Germany .... 


Nova Scotia . . 

.... 2 

England. 

... 102 

Poland . . . . 

9 

Italy.. 

... 30 

Holland . . . 

9 

Ireland. 


Bohemia . . . 

.... 1 

Scotland .... 

... 23 

South Africa . . 

.... 1 

Canada . 

. . . 18 

Peru. 

.... 1 

Russia. 

. . . 13 

Denmark . . . 

.... 1 

Austria. 

. . . 6 

Sweden . . . . 

.... 1 

France. 

. . . 5 

Malta . . . . 

.... 1 

Bavaria. 

. . . 4 

India . . . . 

.... 1 

Switzerland . . . 

. . . 3 

Channel Islands . 

.... 1 

Roumania .... 

. . . 3 

West Indies . . 

.... 1 

Saxony . 

2 

Prince Edward Island ... 1 

Belgium .... 

2 

On shipboard (U. 

S.) . . . 1 

Hungary .... 

2 




The above represents all those who have received one or 
more degrees. From one cause or another nearly seventy 
have not yet completed their membership. It is not long 
since a brother appeared for his second degree after seven¬ 
teen years’ wandering about the world, and upon another 
occasion a brother was received into full fellowship after an 
interval of fourteen years between degrees. It is not un¬ 
likely, therefore, that others now missing will eventually 
appear to complete their membership. 






























264 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1905 


PRESENTATION OF BEAUTIFUL SILK BANNER. 

On many former occasions when ladies were invited lodge 
members had vied with each other in making the fair guests 
welcome. But on the occasion of the “ ladies' matinee,’ 7 
December 12, a committee of ladies, of whom Mrs. George 
W. Hackenberger was chief, neatly turned the tables by 
presenting to the lodge a magnificent silk banner, an illustra¬ 
tion of which appears below: 



FRONT. 


The cost of this beautiful gift was defrayed by the in¬ 
dividual subscriptions of the ladies. The idea was conceived 
and executed by the energetic wife of the popular Junior 
Warden, who promptly paid the difference from her own 
purse when it was found that the cost of the banner was 
considerably greater than had been at first reckoned. M. W. 






1605 ] 


OF ST. CEC1LE LODGE. 


265 


Edward M. L. Ehlers made the presentation in one of his 
happiest addresses. W. Bro. Johnston accepted on behalf of 
the lodge. The Trustees were requested at the next meeting 
of the lodge to secure a suitable case to permanently preserve 
the banner from defacement. After receipt of the banner 
there was a pleasing entertainment of vaudeville, with light 
refreshments during the intermission. Bro. E. Ernest Erd¬ 
mann, with an orchestra of fourteen brethren, provided the 
music. The Entertainment Committee was composed of Bro. 



REVERSE. 


Erank G. Howie, Bro. William E. Tway, Bro. George W. 
Hackenberger, W. Bro. George E. Wallen, Bros. John J. 
Dowers, James B. Green, Clinton Wilson, Ered W. Hager, 
John D. Cawein, Albert von Tilzer, Gustav A. Myers, Henry 
W. Entwistle, C. F. Brodie, F. Ernest Erdmann, William 
Paley and W. Bro. James H. Curtin. 








266 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer read at the annual 
meeting, on December 20, indicated receipts for the year 
$4,386.83; disbursements, $3,307.45. The net increase in 
membership for the year was twelve, bringing the number 
in good standing up to 502. During the twelve months there 
had been twenty-two regular, four special and four emergent 
communications, making a total of thirty meetings held. 
There had been seven deaths. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers 
occupied the east during the election of officers, and appointed 
as tellers Bros. Joseph L. Henning and James B. Smith. 
As W. Bro. George Johnston declined a re-election the choice 
for Master fell upon the popular Senior Warden, Bro. Wil¬ 
liam E. Tway, who accepted the trust with characteristic 
modesty. Bro. George W. Hackenberger was elected Senior 
Warden and Bro. Henry W. Entwistle Junior Warden. The 
new Master announced his appointments and they were in¬ 
stalled in their appropriate stations by Bro. Ehlers, assisted 
by W. Bro. C. Edward Low, acting as Grand Marshal. 

1906. 

W. Bro. William E. Tway (Piano Manufacturer).— 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, January 21, 1902. 
Appointed Senior Deacon, 1903; elected Junior Warden, 
1904; Senior Warden, 1905; Master, 1906; Trustee, 1907; 
appointed on Printing Committee of Grand Lodge, 1907. 

The Master of this year was the second piano manufacturer to wield 
the gayel in St. Cecile. W. Bro. Tway, whose cheerful personality is. 
as well known in Masonic circles as it is in business, has the distinction 
of being the only native of the metropolis thus far to be elected Master 
of St. Cecile. He was born in New York City, April 3, 1869, and is a 
direct descendant of an officer who fought with Washington. Bro. 
Tway’s father is a Mason of many years’ standing and a veteran of the 
Civil War. After attending the public schools of Brooklyn W. Bro. 
Tway entered mercantile life in 1885, and in 1898 engaged in the piano 
business with his father. He studied the violin under the tutelage of 
the late W. Bro. Theodore Jacoby in 1890, and little thought at that 
time of following him as a Master of St. Cecile Lodge. W. Bro. Tway’s. 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1906. 


























1906 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


267 


first impressions of St. Cecile were received as a lad Jan. 27, 1883, while 
attending the benefit given in aid of the lodge funds by Bro. Charles 
Stevenson at the Union Square Theatre. Since joining St. Cecile 
W. Bro. Tway has been one of its most active members, and does not 
stop at any expense of time or money in his efforts in behalf of the 
good name of the lodge. In social events of the lodge especially has 
Bro. Tway been prominent. He is a member of Corinthian Chapter, 
No. 159; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 36, and Mecca Temple. He is also 
a member of the Masonic Club, Square Club, etc., and was the successful 
contestant for the gold watch offered by one of the city newspapers for 
the most popular Masonic Master. 

The sympathy of the brethren went out to Bro. Leon J. 
Curtin, nephew of W. Bro. James H. Curtin, who, while 
hunting in the mountains, accidentally shot himself in the 
right hand, necessitating amputation. As the brother is a 
promising young man the accident was peculiarly distressing, 
but with genuine American pluck he has largely overcome 
the impediment by learning to write with the left hand, as 
well as to perform other functions formerly accomplished 
with the right hand alone. 

Communications during the early months of the year were 
made exceptionally interesting because of the increased at¬ 
tendance, as is usual at this period of the year. Music pre¬ 
dominated during the refreshment hour, and very enjoyable 
were the impromptu concerts provided by the musicians and 
singers. A particularly fine programme was provided on 
one occasion in January by W. Bro. Harry Alton Russell, 
of Mosaic Lodge, at the piano, and Bros. F. Ernest Erdmann, 
violin, and Bro. Bruno Pfeiffer, ’cello, of St. Cecile. 

A very jolly beefsteak party was held at a famous uptown 
restaurant on the evening of February 7. Although the 
weather outside was unpropitious, everything in the dining¬ 
room was conducive to good-fellowship. Prominent among 
the brethren who graced the festivities with their presence 
were M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers and R. W. William J. 
Duncan, the popular editor. Others participating were W. 
Bro. William E. Tway and thirty members of the lodge ac¬ 
companied by ladies. The feast was followed by dancing. 


268 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


There was a very pleasant feature introduced into the 
work on March 6, when W. Bro. George Johnston was called 
before the altar and presented with a handsome gold watch 
and chain as a slight token of appreciation from the lodge. 
The presentation was made by M. W. Edward M. L. Elders 
in a characteristically felicitous address. 

GRAND ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT AND RECEPTION. 

While it is difficult to see how any improvement can be 
made in the manner of conducting the annual entertainment 
and reception of the lodge, yet each year finds some novelty 
which pleases. Experience has taught the brethren how to 
handle these functions successfully. So popular have these 
annual social gatherings become that none but the largest 
halls in the city can accommodate the throngs of friends who 
attend. It is not unusual to have an attendance numbering 
several thousand delighted participants. This is the event 
to which all look forward with anticipations of genuine 
pleasure. Here old friends are greeted, new acquaintances 
formed, and in many respects the reception is like a large 
family gathering. Terrace Garden was the place selected 
for this occasion; Thursday, March 8, the date. The hall 
was filled to overflowing. The scene when the dancers took 
possession of the floor was beautiful. Almost every musical 
number on the dancing programme was the composition of a 
St. Cecile brother and some of the composers conducted the 
orchestra during the rendition of their music. The musical 
director was Bro. Carl F. Williams. The programme: 

THE ORDER OF THE DANCE. 

Music by Members of St. Cecile Lodge under Direction of Brother 
Carl F. Williams. 

PART FIRST. 


March—“ St. Cecile Lodge, 568 ” 
Lanciers—“ Twentieth Century ” 


. • Bro. Maurice Levi 

. . Bro. Carl Williams 



1906 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


269 


Waltz—“ Loveland ”. 

Waltz—“ Helmet of Navarre ” . 

Two-Step—“ Gleaming Star ” . . . . 

Landers—Operatic. 

Waltz—“ My Heart Goes Bumpety Bump 

Two-Step—“ Priscilla ”. 

Waltz—“ December as in May ”... 
Two-Step—“ Jack o’Lantern Joe ” . . 

Waltz—“ Love’s Garden ”. 

Two-Step—“ St. Cecile ”. 


Bro. Abe Holzmann 
R. W. Robert Recker 
Bro. Fred W. Hager 
Bro. Arthur G. Weld 
Bro. Justus Ringleben 
Bro. Jos. W. Stern 
Bro. Ernest R. Ball 
Bro. John W. Bratton 
Bro. Theo. Morse 
. Bro. John Gennaro 


PART SECOND. 

Waltz—“ Oldsmobile ”.Bro. Gus Edwards 

Lanciers—“ Silver Heels Medley ”.Neil. Moret 

Waltz—“ Hearts and Flowers ”.Bro. Theo. M. Tobani 

Two-Step—“ What’s the Use of Knocking? ” . . Bro. Vincent Bryan 

Waltz—“ Whippoorwill ”.Bro. Fred W. Hager 

Two-Step—“ Nightmare Land ” ...... Bro. William Lorraine 

Waltz—“ If a Girl Like You ”.Bro. Gus Edwards 

Two-Step—“ College Life ”.Henry Frantzen 

Lanciers—Selected.Bro. Witmark 

Waltz—“ Twiddle-Twaddle ”.Bro. Maurice Levi 

Two-Step—“ Starlight ”.Bro. Theo. Morse 

Waltz—Selected.Bro. Louis Gottschalk 


Preceding the dancing there was the customary stage per¬ 
formance of high-class vaudeville, every number being greeted 
with general applause. The General Committee in charge 
of the arrangements was composed- of E. W. Kobert Eecker, 
E. W. George Loesch, W. Bros. George E. Wallen, George 
Johnston, Charles H. Govan, James TI. Curtin, Allan 
Latham, William B. Clayton, C. Edward Low, David H. 
Agan, Bros. Thomas S. Hedham, Isaac Eriedenberg, A. F. 
O’Connor, H. W. Entwistle, Frank G. Howie, Philip S. Fried- 
enberg, William J. Cooke, F. Ernest Erdmann, Albert von 
Tilzer, Charles F. Brodie, William A. Baird, John J. 
Dowers, William D. Lang, Fred W. Hager, Clinton Wilson, 
Gustav Myers, Henry W. Eoe, Mark Ellsworth, Charles F. 
Shepard, William Paley, Joseph Davidoff, Eohert E. Stone, 
George D. Freestone, Burt Green, David C. Patterson and 




















270 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


Maurice Levi. Bro. George W. Hackenberger, the Senior 
Warden, was chairman of all the subsidiary committees and 
arranged the decorations. W. Bro. William E. Tway was 
chairman of the Reception Committee, which endeavored to 
make every one feel welcome. 

The visit of the Square Club, April 4, was an event of 
unusual interest to St. Cecile and the attendance that day 
taxed the capacity of the Commandery Boom to the limit. 
About two o’clock the visitors were announced. After being 
cordially welcomed by the Master, R. W. Elmer B. Silver, 
president of the club, presented W. Bro. Tway with a hand¬ 
some gavel, the gift of the Square Club. The Master had 
scarcely recovered from his speech of thanks when R. W. 
George Loesch arose, and, addressing W. Bro. Tway, in¬ 
formed him that as this was his birthday he had the pleasure 
of presenting him, in behalf of the brethren of St. Cecile, 
with a beautiful cut-glass ice tub, tray and glasses. It seemed 
to be a day of gifts. Bro. Gustav Myers, who has since been 
elected president of the Aschenbroedel, and who has a legion 
of friends, was called before the altar and presented with 
an artistic bronze clock as a mark of appreciation for his 
valuable services on many occasions. The regular lodge offi¬ 
cers then vacated their stations in favor of members of the 
Square Club, who had been invited to confer the third de¬ 
gree and took their positions as follows: 

W. M.—W. Bro. Elmer B. Silver, of Copestone Lodge. 

S. W.—W. Bro. George E. Wallen, of St. Cecile Lodge. 

J. W.—W. Bro. J. Robert Johnston, of Astor Lodge. 

S. D.—W. Bro. William S. Barnaby, of Ivanhoe Lodge. 

J. D.—R. W. Oliver H. La Barre, of Manhattan Lodge. 

S. M. C.—W. Bro. Louis M. Donnatin, of Girard Lodge. 

J. M. C.—W. Bro. James M. Brandon, of Evangelist Lodge. 

Marshal—R. W. Allan Williams, of Architect Lodge. 

Chaplain—R. W. August Eickleberg, of Scotia Lodge. 

Stewards—Bros. H. Gray and J. W. Higgins, of Harlem Lodge. 

Others actively participating were R. W. Donald Gow, 
who delivered a splendid lecture; R. W. Bros. John Spence 


1906 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


271 


and Frederick P. Hammond. The music furnished was ex¬ 
ceptionally good, for which thanks were extended to Bros. 
F. E. Erdmann (conductor), William Fenrich, Urbach, Doo¬ 
ley, Miller, Friedlander, Hirsch, Wessell, Couchoud, Pfeiffer, 
Ferrari, Pinto, Berry, Freudenvoll, Finklestein, Boeder, Del 
Xegro, Blodgett, Kleinfelder, Magdalin and Myers. The visi¬ 
tors present on this occasion included several hundred of the 
most prominent Masons in the city. 


ENJOYABLE CONCERT GIVEN AT HOME FOR INCURABLES. 

A very acceptable entertainment was arranged for the con¬ 
sideration of the inmates of the Home for Incurables in April. 
The programme was as follows: 


1 Overture—“Light Cavalry”.. . Suppe 

2 Excerpts from “ 45 Minutes from Broadway ”.Cohan 

3 Plantation Echoes.Ross 

4 American Patrol .Meacham 

Max F. Schmidt and his Orchestra 


5 Songs.Stanley Hawkins 

6 Monologue . James H. Cullen 

7 Songs.Miss Lucy Monroe 

8 American Quartette, from “The Girl of the Golden West” Company, 

Belasco Theatre 

9 Tenor Solo.Brother Thomas Boyd 

10 The Eminent Violin Virtuoso.Miss Corrie Scheffler 

Accompanied by Miss Harriet H. Levy 

11 Solo Trumpet.S. Finkelstein 

(With Herbert’s Orchestra) 
and others 

Accompanist.Mr. Harry Sutton 


Too much praise can scarcely be bestowed upon those ac¬ 
tively aiding in this noble work. Aside from the lodge offi¬ 
cers, who assist every worthy cause, the committee on this 
particular occasion was Bros. Arthur C. G. Weld, William 
D. Lang, Edwin P. Wakefield, Charles Sinclair, Louis F. 











272 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


Gottschalk, Benjamin Harris and Van Kensselaer Wheeler. 

Prompt relief in the hour of necessity is a world-wide 
characteristic of the Masonic fraternity. Scarcely had the 
telegraph informed the public of the disastrous earthquake 
in San Francisco before active measures were begun by Ma¬ 
sons to aid the sufferers. It is due to the promptness of 
W. Bro. Tway that St. Cecile Lodge is reported to have been 
the first Masonic body in the metropolis to donote funds. 
Immediately upon learning of the extent of the disaster the 
Master in behalf of the lodge hastened to telegraph the 
sum of $100 to M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Sec¬ 
retary, which was duly acknowledged. It was learned 
soon afterward that members of the lodge touring with the 
grand opera company in California had barely escaped with 
their lives, losing all their baggage and musical instruments. 

Hot often does the general public have an opportunity to 
attend a Masonic gathering where so large a number of 
notables in the fraternity are assembled as on the occasion 
of the benefit given for the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial 
Fund in Madison Square Garden on the evening of Tuesday, 
May 1. The scene when the Grand Master entered the amphi¬ 
theatre, accompanied by his staff and others high in Grand 
Lodge affairs, was one to remember. The double lines 
through which the party passed extended the entire length 
of the building. The exercises consisted of several fine ad¬ 
dresses, alternated with vocal and orchestral music. Brethren 
of St. Cecile Lodge had a block of seats near the centre on 
the north side of the hall. 

One of the most popular brothers among the musicians 
of the lodge was Franz E. Hess, who died on May 29. The 
Master and a large number of brethren attended the funeral, 
which was in Masonic form. Added to the solemnity of the 
usual ceremonies there was a very impressive musical pro¬ 
gramme by two bands, playing in turn. Bro. Hess had been 
a faithful member of the lodge from May 1, 1888. He was 
sincerely mourned by many sorrowing friends. 


1906 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


273 


ELABORATE RECEPTION TO PENNSYLVANIANS. 

A fraternal visit by tbe Master, Wardens and officers of 
University Lodge, No. 610, of Philadelphia, gave W. Bro. 
Tway and his staff an opportunity to dispense that hospitality 
for which St. Cecile is famous. The occasion was on Tues¬ 
day, June 19. The Commandery Room was well filled with 
brethren when the lodge was called to order. The visiting 
delegation was received with great cordiality by W. Bro. 
Tway. W. Bro. Ginther, of University Lodge, then ad¬ 
dressed the Master and in concluding his remarks presented 
W. Bro. Tway with a diamond-studded Shrine button as a 
memento of the visit of the Pennsylvanians. The refresh¬ 
ment hour was enlivened with musical selections, vocal and 
instrumental, by Bros. Henry W. Roe, Thomas Boyd Mc¬ 
Queen, William J. Cooke, Simon Pinklestein, the brothers 
Bell and a splendid orchestra of twenty-eight pieces, under 
the leadership of Bro. F. Ernest Erdmann. Several hundred 
of the prominent Masons of the city were in attendance dur¬ 
ing the afternoon. A very attractive feature of the day was 
second degree work, with specially arranged music, R. W. 
Bro. George Loesch, by invitation, acting as Senior Deacon. 
After closing the lodge in full form the guests were escorted 
to the rooms of the Masonic Club, where they lunched. 
In the evening a banquet was served for them at the 
Hotel Martin. W. Bro. William E. Tway was toast¬ 
master, and there were after-dinner addresses by W. Bro. 
Francis S. Ginther, M. W. John Stewart, P. G. M., R. W. 
Daniel Dougherty, R. W. Elmer B. Silver, R. W. William 
H. Miller, and R. W. Frederick P. Hammond. The visitors 
expressed the greatest delight with their reception. The Com¬ 
mittee of Arrangements was composed of W. Bro. George E. 
Wallen, R. W. George Loesch, W. Bro. George Johnston, 
W. Bro. James H. Curtin, Bro. George W. Hackenberger and 
Bro. Harry Entwistle. On the Reception Committee were 
R. W. Robert Recker, Bro. William A. Baird, and W. Bros. 


274 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


C. E. Low, Allan Latham, W. B. Clayton and Charles H. 
Govan. 

No class of men enjoy a day at the seashore more thoroughly 
than those whose indoor duties oblige them to forego the bene¬ 
fits of many beautiful days in the sunshine. Actors, musi¬ 
cians, printers, all look forward with anticipations of pleasure 
to the time when they can temporarily at least throw care to 
the winds and gather for an outing. For days before the 
event the various athletic features are the subject of discus¬ 
sion, and the talk does not cease till long after the outing is 
a thing of the past. The annual excursion of the lodge which 
took place at College Point on Wednesday, July 18 , was, like 
similar affairs of former years, liberally patronized. Not the 
least enjoyable feature of the trip was the presence of the 
lodge hand, which discoursed popular airs all day long. 
The start was made at ten o’clock in the morning, and soon 
all were enjoying the balmy breezes of a sail on the Sound. 
The day was warm and sunny, the air invigorating. Imme¬ 
diately upon arriving at the chosen place the more athletically 
inclined brethren proceeded to the field, where they were soon 
engaged in deciding the various contests. The waters of the 
bay attracted others, who donned bathing suits. Many sought 
the refreshment pavilion, where clams and other toothsome 
seashore delicacies were discussed with never-failing appe¬ 
tites. The shore dinner provided in the afternoon was wel¬ 
comed with shouts of delight, and with appetites whetted by 
the vigorous outdoor exercise, the brethren made a hold at¬ 
tack. During the repast several vocalists obliged with popu¬ 
lar songs, accompanied by the band, all the diners joining in 
the choruses. Bro. John J. Dowers, Junior Deacon, was 
congratulated upon the receipt of a silver loving cup from his 
employer a few days previously as a memento of the twenty- 
fifth anniversary of his connection with the German “ Her- 
old” 

It is to the credit of the brethren that, notwithstanding the 
enjoyable sociability, they did not forget those who by reason 
of illness or misfortune were compelled to forego these pleas- 


1906 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


275 


nres. A beautiful bouquet and a cheerful message were sent 
to R. W. Bro. George Loesch, who was laid up in the German 
Hospital with an attack of appendicitis, his second serious 
illness during the year, and who promptly acknowledged the 
courtesy by telegraphing his thanks and good wishes to the 
merry-makers. A telegram of condolence also was sent to 
Bro. Raymond Hitchcock, whose beloved mother had passed 
away the day before. After a particularly enjoyable day in 
the green fields by the water the brethren returned to their 
city homes tired but rejuvenated. 

Members of the lodge learned with sincere regret of the 
death of Bro. Benjamin E. Hays, M.D., on August 18. Bro. 
Hays was one whose life was largely made up of actions in 
accordance with his convictions. In more fortunate days he 
had been a successful practising physician and had served 
in the Union Army during the Civil War. Afterward his 
professional services were constantly given freely to those 
unable to pay. Ho case was ever refused or neglected be¬ 
cause of poverty, and his patients were treated with rare skill. 
During the latter years of his life the good physician himself 
became a patient, bearing with fortitude whatever affliction 
came upon him. Bro. Hays affiliated from Emanuel Lodge, 
Ho. 654, October 21, 1884. During all the years of his mem¬ 
bership he was a regular attendant at the meetings, assisting 
when possible, until stricken with paralysis, which left him 
crippled and unable to engage in any active work. Masonic 
funeral services were held over his body at the family resi¬ 
dence by Bro. Harry Roe, acting Master, assisted by Bro. 
James B. Smith, acting Senior Warden, Bro. Charles M. 
Williams, acting Junior Warden, and a number of brethren. 
There w T ere also services by members of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. 

AN OLD MEMBER HONORED BY THE LODGE. 

A number of brethren, including W. Bro. William E. 
Tway, R. W. George Loesch, Junior Warden Hackenberger, 


276 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[19C6 


Secretary Roe and fifteen others, went to the residence of 
Bro. Isaac Friedenberg on September 2. The occasion was 
Bro. Friedenberg’s seventy-sixth birthday. The visit was 
also to commemorate the fact that two weeks previous—to 
be exact, August 15—the fiftieth anniversary of his mem¬ 
bership in the Masonic order had been passed. When the 
venerable brother was called to the door he was astonished 
to see such a large gathering of men. As soon as the in¬ 
vaders were recognized, however, they were cordially invited 
to enter. After the exchange of greetings Bro. F. Ernest 
Erdmann and the other musicians gave a little concert which 
was greatly enjoyed. During the evening W. Bro. Tway 
presented Bro. Friedenberg with engrossed resolutions from 
the lodge, expressing many kindly sentiments and wishing 
him continued health and prosperity. One of the pleasant 
features of the occasion was the presence of Bro. Frieden¬ 
berg’s four sons. 

Members of the lodge were shocked to learn that Bro. 
Julius P. Witmark had been obliged to undergo a serious 
surgical operation, the amputation of his left leg. During 
the same week the lodge learned that Bro. Douglas Gordon 
had received injuries which temporarily incapacitated him. 
The latter brother was the victim of an accident which broke 
both wrists. 

During the memorable visit of St. Cecile Lodge to Phila¬ 
delphia, in 1894, none was more solicitous for the welfare 
of the Rew York visitors than Bro. Francis S. Ginther, at 
that time the efficient Junior Warden of University Lodge, 
Ro. 610. Bro. Ginther’s progress through the various sta¬ 
tions in his lodge has been coincident with that of Bro. Tway 
in St. Cecile, and this fact has cemented into strong friend¬ 
ship the acquaintance formed about that time. In recognition 
of his uniform courtesy upon the several visits it was pro¬ 
posed to place Bro. Ginther’s name among the honorary mem¬ 
bers enrolled in St. Cecile. This was done and engrossed 
resolutions prepared for presentation to the honored brother. 


1906] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


277 


A committee representing the lodge journeyed over to the 
City of Brotherly Love on October 27, and in the presence 
of the members of University Lodge delivered the document, 
W. Bro. William E. Tway making the presentation. The 
visitors were hospitably entertained and returned delighted 
with the trip. Those in the party included W. Bros. Tway 
and Wallen and Bros. Hackenberger, Entwistle, Baird, Dow¬ 
ers, Phil Friedenberg, Barry, Brodie and Cooke. 

During October the Master addressed the lodge upon the 
importance of keeping the expenditures within the receipts. 
For several years, he said, the amount received from dues 
had not been sufficient to entirely meet all the current ex¬ 
penses. For example, in 1905, while the expenses of the 
lodge were $3,307.45, the receipts from dues were but $2,988, 
leaving a deficit of more than $300 to be met from other 
sources. This condition should not, in the Master’s opinion, 
exist in St. Cecile. He also directed attention to the fact 
that about $2,500 was outstanding for dues, although the 
greater part of this sum would undoubtedly be paid in, as 
usual, before the beginning of the new year. After dis¬ 
cussing financial affairs pro and con it was decided to refer 
the entire matter to a committee which should formulate 
some better system of regulating the finances. The following 
were appointed: R. W. George Loesch, R. W. Robert Recker, 
W. Bros. Curtin, Low, Johnston and Wallen. 

The death of M. W. Frank Hurd Robinson, P. G. M., at 
Hornell, H. Y., on October 11, caused a feeling of profound 
sorrow throughout the fraternity of the Empire State, which 
realized the great loss sustained in the passing of a man of 
such unusual ability. The deceased Grand Master, in select¬ 
ing his staff in 1905, had named Bro. George Loesch, of St. 
Cecile, as Grand Director of Ceremonies, an appointment 
which gratified members of the lodge very much. The lodge 
was ordered draped for a period of sixty days as a mark 
of respect. 

Another deceased brother dear to members of St. Cecile 


278 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


Lodge was W. Bro. Charles F. Hotmer, of Copestone Lodge, 
No. 641, who died on Friday, November 2. He was a regular 
visitor to St. Cecile, delighting at all times to assist in per¬ 
forming any duty requested, and had been elected an hon¬ 
orary member of the lodge in December, 1902. The funeral 
took place on Sunday afternoon, November 4. The Master, 
Wardens and eleven brethren of St. Cecile Lodge were pres¬ 
ent at the services, which were largely attended by other 
members of the fraternity. 


MASONIC CLUB EXEMPLIFIES THE THIRD DEGREE. 


One of the most enjoyable communications of the year was 
that of November 20, when the officers and members of the 
Masonic Club were present by invitation of the Master and 
exemplified the work of the third degree. The club was led 
by B. W. William H. Miller, president, followed by M. W T . 
John Stewart, R. W. Bros. Robert Kenworthy, John Lloyd 
Thomas, Theodore C. Lefevre, Thomas Hilson, George W. 
Arnold, Henry Holding and Charles W. Frank, W. Bros. 
Harry B. Mook, Dr. John E. W. Sanderson, Louis N. Don- 
natin, George E. Wallen and Bro. Joseph W. Roberts. They 
received a particularly warm welcome from W. Bro. Tway, 
who is also a member of the organization. The rendition of 
the standard work by these experts was perfection itself and 
was thoroughly enjoyed by an assemblage of brethren which 
filled every nook and corner of the Commandery Room. At 
the conclusion of the degree the regular officers resumed their 
stations and the lodge closed in full form. During the after¬ 
noon the following programme was presented by the St. Cecile 
Orchestra, under Bro. F. Ernest Erdmann: 


1 March—Arabia.L. Buck 

2 Descriptive Fantasy—An American Abroad, Brother John W. Bratton 
f a “ Good-by, Sweetheart, Good-by,” 

Brother Albert Von Tilzer- 
as a Cornet Solo by Bro. Fred. Sonty 
b “ Anon,” 

as a Trombone Solo by Brother Fred Blodgett 


3 Two Songs 
with 

Orchestra 

Accompaniment 




1906] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


279 


4 Solo—Selected .Bro. Will J. Cooke 

5 Finale—“ Thunder and Blazes ”.Bro. T. M. Tobani 

THE ORCHESTRA 


Conductor, Bro. 
Bro. Louis Begiebing, 

“ William Fenrich, 

“ Edward Clarke, 

“ Max S. Friedman, 

“ Edward Lang, 

“ Hugo Miller, 

“ Gaetano Pinto, Violins. 

“ Martin Van Praag, 

“ John Magdalin, Violas. 

“ Joseph Riley, 

“ Sol. Pfeiffer, Cellos. 

“ Emilie Couchoud, 


F. Ernest Erdmann. 

Bro. Bruno Pfeiffer, Basses. 

“ Arthur Berry, 

“ A. Pinto, Flutes. 

“ Frank Stretz, 

“ Charles Freudenvoll, 

“ David Fink, Clarinets. 

“ Fred. Sonty, 

“ Nicola Del Negro, Cornets . 

“ Fred Blodgett, Trombone. 

“ Alex. Finnie, Euphonium. 

“ B. Kissenberth, Small Drum. 
“ Gustave Schmehl, Bass Drum. 


ENJOYABLE AFTERNOON^ VAUDEVILLE FOR THE LADIES. 

The Commandery Room was again called into service on 
Friday afternoon, December 14, when the ladies answered 
an invitation to present themselves at a matinee specially 
arranged for their enjoyment. As on previous occasions, no 
urging was required to bring them out in force. The room 
was handsomely decorated and even standing room was at a 
premium. There was an exceptionally pleasing array of 
voluntary talent on hand, embracing the leading vaudeville 
artists appearing in the city. Betimes light refreshments 
were served the fair guests. But the feature most applauded 
was the presentation to Mrs. George W. Hackenberger, wife 
of the Senior Warden, of a beautiful cut-glass punch bowl, in 
acknowledgment of her indefatigable efforts in raising funds 
with which to purchase the beautiful banner presented to the 
lodge by the feminine friends and relatives of the members. 
The afternoon was a notable social success, reflecting credit 
upon the entire committee. Bro. Frank G. Howie was chair¬ 
man, assisted by Bros. William J. Cooke, George H. Thomas, 
William A. Baird, Harry W. Entwistle, Charles F. Shep- 





280 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1906 


ard, Edwin A. Rogers, Jr., E. Ernest Erdmann, George W. 
Hackenberger, Joseph Davidoff, Albert von Tilzer, W. Bro. 
George E. Wallen, Bros. Bert Green, David C. Paterson, 
Clinton Wilson, John J. Dowers, George D. Freestone, R. W. 
George Loesch and W. Bro. James H. Curtin, who acted as 
stage manager. There was a splendid orchestra, under the 
leadership of Bro. E. Ernest Erdmann, and Bro. Bert Helms 
presided at the piano. 

Annual communications do not seem to differ much. As 
the lodge grows larger, of course the attendance increases, 
but the familiar faces, with some additions, are usually in 
their accustomed places. Not all, alas! From year to year 
are missed those who have passed on into the greater gather¬ 
ing—the lodge not of earthly form. But another takes the 
vacant chair, and the absent brother becomes a cherished 
memory in the history of the past. 

Judging from the reading of the reports 1906 had been 
a busy year. The Secretary reported that there had been a 
total of thirty-four meetings held, of which four were emer¬ 
gent and three special. A net increase of eighteen in mem¬ 
bership was reported. The receipts had been $6,690.86, ex¬ 
penses $6,265.77, leaving a cash balance of $425.09. The 
Treasurer reported $15,000 at interest in various banks. The 
time for choosing officers having arrived the Master vacated 
his chair and invited M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers to preside. 
The Grand Secretary appointed Bros. James B. Smith and 
Joseph L. Henning as tellers. Owing to the demands of his 
business W. Bro. Twav declined a re-elction, and Bro. George 
W. Hackenberger was elected Master for the ensuing year. 
Bro. Henry W. Entwistle was chosen Senior Warden, and 
Bro. William A. Baird Junior Warden. The Secretary and 
Treasurer were each re-elected, after which the Master-elect 
announced his appointments. W. Bro. James H. Curtin 
assisted in the ceremony of installation. The attendance 
was unusually large, many old members appearing who had 
not been seen in lodge for a long time. 


1907] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


281 


1907. 

W. Bro. George W. Hackenberger (Pharmacist.) — 
Baised in St. Cecile Lodge, Xo. 568, April 29, 1902. Junior 
Deacon, 1903; Senior Deacon, 1904; Junior Warden, 1905; 
Senior Warden, 1906; Master, 1907. 

Of the twenty-eight Masters who have occupied the east in St. 
Cecile Lodge eighteen have been initiates of the lodge. The present in¬ 
cumbent, W. Bro. George W. Hackenberger, president of the Miner Drug 
Company and vice-president of the American Druggists’ Syndicate, is 
one who has worked his way upward through a long apprenticeship in 
subordinate positions. He is a dignified gentleman of well-balanced, con¬ 
servative ideas, sincere and studious, and that his administration will be a 
notably successful one can be safely predicted. Since the beginning of 
the year a great deal of important work has already been accomplished. 
The by-laws have been revised, the huge annual reception successfully 
planned and carried out, the history of the lodge printed, and prepara¬ 
tions well advanced toward making the celebration of the one thousandth 
communication an occasion worthy of the lodge. All this in addition 
to the regular work, which in so large and thriving a lodge has brought 
many responsibilities upon the Master, who has expressed his determina¬ 
tion to keep the lodge up to the prestige of its most successful year. W. 
Bro. Hackenberger, though comparatively young in years, has lived an 
active life. He was born in Bainbridge, Ta., July 9, 1809, and attended 
the public schools of his native town. At the age of twenty-two he 
graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and has since that 
time made rapid progress in his profession, occupying a conspicuously 
prominent position in the drug business of the metropolis. In December, 
1905, W. Bro. Hackenberger’s estimable wife presented St. Cecile with 
a magnificent silk banner, the cost of which was defrayed by the sub¬ 
scriptions of the ladies, of whom she was chief. W. Bro. Hackenberger 
is a relative of the gallant Gen. Custer, who fell at the famous battle 
of the Big Horn, June 25, 187G. He is exceedingly popular among his 
Masonic associates, who predict for him a brilliant career. W. Bro. 
Hackenberger is a member of Corinthian Chapter, No. 159; of Con¬ 
stantine Commandery, No. 48, and of Mecca Temple. 

Although the events which have occurred in the lodge since 
the first of the year are undoubtedly fresh in the memory of 
the brethren, it is fitting that brief mention be here made 
of some of the more important of them. 

Long acquaintance with the artistic creations of expert 


282 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


printers, many of whom are enrolled in St. Cecile, has given 
members of the lodge a keen appreciation of attractive speci¬ 
mens of the art preservative. Favorable comment has been 
elicited by the beautifully engraved design for the cover of 
the lodge notices adopted by W. Bro. George W. Hacken- 
berger, and many compliments have been heard in regard to 
its striking appearance when printed in blue. A specimen 
is inserted herewith for general inspection. Certainly effec¬ 
tive printing is of as much importance to a Masonic lodge as 
to any other successful organization. Happily, this fact is 
now generally admitted by all up-to-date lodge officers. 

NOTABLY EFFICIENT STAFF OF OFFICERS. 

A word in re the staff of 1907 will be read with interest. 

The Senior Warden is second in importance only to the 
Master in a Masonic lodge, and his selection is always viewed 
with an eye to the possibilities of the future. Bro. Harry 
W. Entwistle, the efficient Senior Warden, was made a 
Mason in St. Cecile, March 17, 1903. He was born in Can¬ 
terbury, England, October 30, 1860, and is a son of an Eng¬ 
lish military man. He began learning the art of printing in 
1873, and has since been employed on many of the largest 
newspapers in America and England. As a boy Bro. En¬ 
twistle sang soprano in the celebrated boys’ choir of St. 
Editha’s Church in Canterbury, and was elected deputy lay 
vicar’s choral. He sang counter tenor in the Litchfield Cathe¬ 
dral, and after coming to America sang in the Church of the 
Advent, Boston, and in Grace Chapel, Hew York. He is 
a tall man, of fine appearance, and very much esteemed by 
his associates. 

Bro. William A. Baird, Junior Warden, was raised in 
St. Cecile Lodge, July 30, 1901. He is a native of Hew 
York City, where he was born August 2, 1859. After re¬ 
ceiving instruction in the public schools of the metropolis, 
he attended the High School in Mystic, Conn. He engaged 


# 



R . W . GEO. E. WALLEN 
Trustee 




R ' W. . ROBERT RECKER 
T reasurer 



HENRY W. ROE 
Secretary 


R ' W. . GEORGE LOESCM 
Chaplain 



DAVID C. PATERSON 
Sen ior Master of Ceremonies 



HENRY W. ENTWISTLE 

Senior Warden 



HERMAN NAUEN 
Junior Master of Ceremonies 



WILLIAM A. BAIRD* 
Junior Warden 




W. . JOSEPH McELROY 
Tyler 


AUGUST SCHMEHL 
Junior Steward 




















1907 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


283 


in the fire insurance business in 1872, and lias been an ad¬ 
juster since 1888. In Masonic circles he is well known, be¬ 
ing a member of Corinthian Chapter, Ho. 159 ; Past Eminent 
Commander of Ivanhoe Commandery, Ho. 36; a member of 
Columbian Council, Ho. 1; Mecca Temple, Azim Grotto, 
Ho. 7, the Masonic Club, etc. 

Of the other officers the Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain 
and Historian have been previously mentioned. Bro. John 
J. Dowers, Senior Deacon, was initiated in St. Cecile and 
signed the roll June 3, 1902. He is a painstaking officer, 
who enters into all his undertakings with earnest zest. He 
is the originator and president of the Fellowcraft Club. Bro. 
Dowers has for more than twenty-five years had charge of the 
press-room of the German “ Herold,” and is a great favorite 
with employers and employees alike. 

Bro. Charles F. Shepard, recently appointed to fill the un¬ 
expired term of Junior Deacon, is a well-known linotype 
operator on the morning newspapers. He was initiated in 
St. Cecile during the fall of 1902, and signed the roll Oct. 
21, 1902. Bro. Shepard is a modest, unassuming gentleman, 
very popular in a large circle of friends. 

Bro. “ Davy ” C. Patterson, Senior Master of Cere¬ 
monies, was raised in St. Cecile, Feb. 20, 1900. He has 
taken an active interest in lodge work from the first, and is 
a conscientious official, well liked by all. 

Bro. Herman Hauen, Junior Master of Ceremonies, is a 
printer on a leading morning paper. Ever since his initia¬ 
tion in March, 1905, he has shown an ambition to master 
the details of the lodge work and is happiest when engaged 
in some portion of it. He is secretary of the Fellowcraft 
Club, previously alluded to. 

The Rev. Bro. Thomas Gilbert Losee, Rector of the 
Episcopal Church at Walden, H. Y., who is associate chap¬ 
lain in addition to being an honorary member of the lodge, 
is a member of Montauk Lodge, Ho. 286. He was formerly 
an actor, but left the stage to preach the Word of God. lie 


284 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


is a pulpit orator of marvellous power and is very popular 
with the members of St. Cecile. 

Bro. James B. Smith, associate chaplain, was raised in 
Continental Lodge, No. 287, in 1859, and was its Secretary 
for ten years. In 1869 he affiliated with Merchants’ Lodge, 
No. 709, and was for ten years its Secretary, serving a long 
time without remuneration, owing to hard times. He has 
been a member of St. Cecile since May 3, 1892, and is favor¬ 
ably known among the members of the various benevolent and 
fraternal organizations of which he is a member as a thor¬ 
oughly honorable and upright man and Mason. “ Uncle 
Jimmy ” has a large heart, as many can hear witness. 

Bro. George D. Freestone, Marshal, was raised in St. 
Cecile, July 21, 1903, and whenever business permits is al¬ 
ways seen at his post in the lodge. He is an official of the 
Crown Cordial Company. In his private life Bro. Freestone 
is a devout Christian gentleman whose every-day actions are 
in keeping with his Masonic profession. 

Bro. Joseph Davidoff, the Senior Steward, first saw Ma¬ 
sonic light in St. Cecile, June 30, 1896. There is no duty 
too arduous for Bro. Davidoff, who is ready and willing at 
all times to devote his services to the lodge. Affable, sincere, 
honorable, he makes every one with whom he comes in con¬ 
tact his friend. Although by birth a Russian, there is no 
more thorough star-spangled American citizen than Bro. 
Davidoff. 

Bro. August Schmehl, the efficient drummer in the or¬ 
chestra at the West End Theatre, is the Junior Steward. 
Though raised but last year, in May, Bro. Schmehl is enthu¬ 
siastic on every topic concerning the lodge. 

W. Bro. Harry Alton Russell, Organist, is well known 
as Past Master of Mosaic Lodge, No. 418, where he was raised 
in 1890. He is Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Columbian 
Council, No. 1; Past Eminent Commander of Ivanhoe Com- 
mandery, No. 36, and in addition to his duties in St. Cecile, 
has been for many years organist of the Grand Lodge, the 


1907 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


285 


Grand Commandery, the Grand Council, etc., and had the 
pleasurable honor of presiding at the organ in Matinecock 
Lodge, No. 806, on the occasion of conferring the several 
degrees upon Bro. Theodore Roosevelt, President of the 
United States. 

Bro. Janies Pyper, the Organist’s Assistant, is a son of 
Scotia Lodge, No. 634. 

W. Bro. Joseph McElroy, Tiler, is a member of St. 
Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, as was his father before him. W. 
Bro. McElroy is also Tiler of the Grand Lodge. 

Bro. Max Butler, the obliging Assistant Tiler and official 
in charge of the coat room, is a member of Shakespeare Lodge, 
No. 750, and Empire Chapter, No. 170. 


A GLANCE AT RECENT ACQUISITIONS. 

Among the musicians who have come into the lodge since 
the beginning of the twentieth century are seen such well- 
known names as those of Bros. Herman P. Forster, Boniface 
Vandeputte, Theodore Pusinelli, James A. Johnson, John 
Schilling, George A. Kampe, James B. Green, Maurice E. 
Smith, president M.M. P. U.; Vincent Barnable, Anthony 
Abarno, band leader; F. Ernest Erdmann, orchestra leader; 
William T. Francis, orchestra leader; John Gennaro, band 
leader; Arthur C. G. Weld, orchestra leader; Giacinto 
Scarrano, Balt. Kissenberth, William Fenrich, Anton P. 
Kleinfelder, Max F. Schmidt, orchestra leader; Samuel 
Schiller, orchestra leader; Thomas Cutty, orchestra leader; 
Louis F. Gottschalk, orchestra leader; Luigi Ferrari, Simon 
Finklestein, trumpet soloist; Max S. Friedman, Martin Van 
Praag, Louis Doll, orchestra leader; Bernard J. Tiemann, 
theatrical chorister; Frederick W. Ecke, orchestra leader; 
Giuseppe De Leo, Louis A. Lesure, Bruno Pfeiffer, Nicola 
Del Negro, Hugo Miller, Henry Van Praag, Frederick W. 
La Croix, Henry Hess, Albert Von Tilzer, celebrated song 


286 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


writer and publisher; Solomon Pfeiffer, Albert Einklestein, 
Vincenzo Palmieri, George O. Marshall, orchestra leader; 
Emile Couchaud, David Pink, William J. Kerngood, orches¬ 
tra leader; Frank L. Dettinger, Henry E. Newell, Donato 
A. Lauria, Alexander A. Einnie, Edward M. Lang, Albert 
H. Simerlein, August Schmehl, Herbert Hancock, the Bell 
brothers, Paul and Arthur; Julius Lenzberg, orchestra 
leader; Adolph Finklestein, Leon I. Strashun, Louis Kramer, 
Otto Keller, Philip E. Phillips, Antonio Bellucci, James E. 
Lay, and George Lucas. 


MANY WELL-KNOWN ENTERTAINERS. 

The actors, many of whom are at the head of large com¬ 
panies, in the order in which they joined include such well- 
known artists as Bros. William Lenhart, Harry B. Lester, 
Charles F. Semon, Martin Healey, Alva M. Holbrook, Fred¬ 
erick W. Mace, Joseph P. Swickard, Vernon, the ventrilo¬ 
quist; Karl Yalto, Thomas Boyd McQueen, operatic tenor; 
Van Kensselaer Wheeler, baritone; Bert Leslie, Charles S. 
Sinclair, J. Knox Gavin, John W. Eansome, leading come¬ 
dian; William J. Cooke, vocalist; William Cutty, Jr., Per- 
cival T. Moore, Charles E. Eldridge, William T. Sissons, 
Jess A. Dandy, Frederick E. Schmidt, Frederick J. Titus, 
George B. Eeno, Willy F. Zimmermann, world famous char¬ 
acter impersonator; Homer E. Davis, Thomas B. Boss, 
Clayton E. White, James E. Eosen, diminutive comedian; 
Martin T. North, George A. Parr, Karl Pantzer, Bennett 
Smith Mitchell and Archibald McDonald. 

Those connected with the numerous theatrical enterprises 
in other capacities are Bros. George H. Harris, manager; Wil¬ 
liam H. Weber, Manager; Leon H. Curtin, manager; Jesse 
L. Oberdorfer, manager; Louis F. Oberwarth, manager; Wil¬ 
liam D. Lang, electrician; Edward J. Mortimer, stage car¬ 
penter; Henry Griesman, master of properties; Joseph A. 


1907 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


287 


Pile, treasurer; Max Weber, John M. Ostrander, treasurer; 
George I. Pitt, treasurer; Sampson Gelder, stage mechanic; 
Henry Gilman, stage mechanic; Franklin R. Comstock, treas¬ 
urer ; Henry T. Taylor, stage manager; Daniel Lang, electri¬ 
cian ; George W. Braisted, Henry F. Ertheiler, manager; 
George A. Larbig, superintendent of Fourteenth Street Thea¬ 
tre; Edward Thompson, electrician; Edward Hirsh, stage 
manager; Benjamin Harris, manager; James B. Somes, stage 
manager; Robert H. Thorne, stage manager; Charles G. 
Shay, President T. M. A.; Arthur J. Bell, treasurer; Henry 
M. Weigle, stage manager; Douglas Gordon, stage carpenter; 
Edwin A. Voigt, master of properties; Frederick A. Schaef¬ 
fer, August E. Kleinecke, Walter M. Russell, stage manager; 
Morris Blau, George H. Thomas, moving pictures; John C. 
■Swope, manager; William P. Seigman, electrician; Francis 
J. King, stage carpenter; Hiram H. Dixon, electrician; 
'George Koster, stage carpenter; Isidor H. Heck, manager; 
Daniel D. Bernstein, arranger of stage effects; James E. 
Brooks, stage mechanic; Bro. Edward J. Drugan, stage 
mechanic. 

Various branches of the newspaper and printing trades 
have furnished the following, in the order named: Eugene J. 
Flynn, John T. Wardley, Albert B. Corcilius, Samuel Mc- 
Candless, Alfred Browne, Morris Rosenberg, George H. Lit¬ 
tle, Albert D. Shipaugh, William S. Bishop, John H. Heil- 
beck, James Rainnie, James W. Keller, Henry M. Vander- 
slice, George J. Greenwood, William C. Jordan, Elmer E. 
Troxell, James Merson, Charles F. Shepard, William Bishop, 
John F. Parent, C. Mitchell, Edwin E. Entrican, Ward W. 
Hill, Martin A. Rosanoff, editor; William F. Wilhelm, Ed¬ 
gar R. Laverty, Leon A. B. Baradet, Wendell P. Bishop, J. P. 
Scofield, Lambert K. Peecook, Howard Punzelt, Charles 
Pepple, Rockwell Kent, Edwin W. Challenger, Herman 
Nauen, Albert C. Griffin, James Tole, William B. Tindle, 
John H. Clapham, Peter S. Duncan, Ralph A. Guth, Edward 
Rock, publisher; Mark S. Guth, Albert O’Donoghue. 


288 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


MERCANTILE AND OTHER PURSUITS WELL REPRESENTED. 

Many members have been gained from mercantile and other 
pursuits, among them, in order of seniority: William G. 
Jackson, salesman; Bro. William E. Brandon, engineer; 
Bros. Arthur C. Oesch and Henry M. Sugden, salesman; Bro. 
Victor Barton, manufacturer; Bro. Chalmers Hughes, cash¬ 
ier; Bro. Alfred O’Connor, importer; Bro. Andrew V. John¬ 
son, undertaker; Bro..Adelbert Klockgeisser, restaurant; Bro. 
Joseph Horth, lumber; Bro. Eord Kniskern, steamship su¬ 
perintendent; Bro. William Levison, cigars and tobacco; Bro. 
Leon Schnapp, designer; Bro. Lucien J. Gaugler, manufac¬ 
turer; Bro. Joseph Ansbacher, notions; Bro. Vernon F. .Pres¬ 
ton, marine engineer; Bro. Albert W. Bailey, lawyer; Bro. 
George H. McDonald, Hew York Central Bailroad; Bro. Carl 
E. Cunningham, insurance; Bro. Emanuel M. Friedman, 
lawyer; Bro. Henry J. McCormick, attorney; Bro. John E. 
Leffler, clerk; Bro. Edwin H. Harris, stock clerk; Bro. 
George W. De Haven, insurance; Bro. Edwin A. Rogers, sec¬ 
retary; Bro. John D. Cawein, real estate ; Bro. John T. 
McRoy, electrical engineer; Bro. Richard A. Beale, artist; 
Bro. Frederick R. Grenny, pharmacist; Bro. Arthur L. 
Beckner, electrician; Bro. Alex. C. Barry, tailor; Bro. Ben¬ 
jamin Pflaum, electrician; Bro. Henry Westerman, tailor; 
Bro. William Poillon, curator of the American Humismatic 
Society; Bro. James E. Poillon, real estate; Bro. Sydney E. 
Graham, steamship tickets; Bro. William A. Beebe, marine 
engineer; Bro. William R. Cameron, druggist; Bro. Arthur 
E. Rendle, contractor; Bro. Geoffrey M. Weiler, salesman; 
Bro. Charles Korber, dentist; Bro. Hubert L. Hymes, shoes; 
Bro. Walter L. Gibbs, advertising; Bro. Albert R. Force, elec¬ 
trician ; Bro. Albert P. Schultz, M.D.; Bro. Merritt W. 
Rogers, salesman; Bro. Albert Frank, supt.; Bro. William P. 
Seigman, electrician; Bro. Hugh R. Jack, sanitary inspector; 
Bro. Hugh S. Clutsom, hotel clerk; Bro. William McKiernan, 
telegrapher; Bro. Milton S. Rice, sign painter; Bro. David 


1907 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


289 


A. Ivistler, and Bro. Milton S. Kistler, real estate; Bro. 
Thomas Berger, bridge superintendent; Bro. Edward A. 
Feuchtwanger, mineral water; Bro. Nathan Rosenberg, sec¬ 
retary; Bro. Henry Leconte, automobile machinist; Bro. 
Charles H. Merisch, grocer; Bro. William Hilgenberg, 
painter and decorator; Bro. Winfield S. Weedon, hotel pro¬ 
prietor; Bro. John C. Lyon and Bro. H. W. Guernsey. 

PREPARATIONS FOR CELEBRATING IOOOtII COMMUNICATION. 

Several brethren noticed that the meeting of January 15 
was the nine hundred and eighty-fifth communication of St. 
Cecile Lodge, and were reminded of the near approach of 
the one thousandth meeting of the lodge. In order that such 
an important occasion might be duly celebrated, it was re¬ 
solved by vote of the lodge to appoint a committee to make 
proper arrangements for the event. The Master named W. 
Bro. William E. Tway as chairman, with the following 
brethren: B. W. George Loesch, R. W. Robert Recker, W. 
Bros. George E. Wallen, George Johnston, C. Edward Low, 
James H. Curtin, Charles H. Govan, Bros. Henry W. En- 
twistle, William A. Baird, Henry W. Roe, John J. Dowers, 
Charles M. Williams, George D. Freestone, Philip Frieden- 
berg, Fred W. Hager, James Rainnie, Carl E. Williams, 
Maurice Levi, Frank G. Howie, William J. Cooke, Mark 
Ellsworth, Simon Finklestein, Raymond Hitchcock, and Jef¬ 
ferson De Angelis. 

Among those welcomed by the Master was W. Bro. John 
E. Morse, who had been confined to his home for three years 
by illness. W. Bro. Morse was formerly one of the most 
active workers, and his presence after such a lengthy absence 
gave his many friends as well as himself a great deal of 
pleasure. 

Many pleasant hours were spent in the lodge room during 
the winter. The brethren were entertained with music by 
Bros. F. Ernest Erdmann, L. Ferrari, F. Sonty, N. Del Negro 


290 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[ 1907 


and Albert Simerlein, the latter brethren forming a brass 
quartet which produced delightful music. W. Bro. Harry 
Alton Bussell, the lodge Organist, played the piano ac¬ 
companiments. Among the vocalists who volunteered were 
Bros. William J. Cooke and George Albert Parr. Bro. David 
Fink, well known as a soloist, contributed classical selections 
on the clarinet which were greatly enjoyed. 

After an absence of seventeen years, during which period 
he has been a resident of California, Bro. Julius Kahn, well- 
known actor who forsook the stage to practice law, again 
visited St. Cecile, of which he has been a member ever since 
his initiation in 1888. As Bepresentative from San Fran¬ 
cisco in the National Congress, Bro. Kahn has made for him¬ 
self a reputation for ability and integrity. He found many 
new faces in the lodge room, yet he was readily recognized 
by several old members. He told of the terrible destruction 
wrought by the recent earthquake and spoke of the wonderful 
progress being made in rebuilding the city. The older 
brethren remembered that ’way back in ’88, when Bro. Kahn 
joined St. Cecile Lodge, he had often entertained the mem¬ 
bers with delightful recitations. He was therefore prevailed 
upon to give his famous rendition of “ The Vagabonds.” It 
is safe to say c that none present had ever heard Trowbridge’s 
celebrated lines more charmingly rendered than they were 
by Bro. Kahn on this occasion. The brethren were also en¬ 
tertained by Bro. Charles Edwin Brandt, a leading actor in 
successful dramatic productions. 

“ Greatest ever ” was the slogan of the brethren having 
in charge the annual reception of the lodge, Thursday, March 
7. And so it proved. Attaches of the Lexington Avenue 
Opera House said that it was the largest function of the 
year. Conservative estimates placed the number present at 
2,900 persons. As in previous years the attendance, largely 
made up of members of the lodge with their families and 
relatives, was all that could be desired. Everything moved 
with surprising smoothness, notwithstanding the fact that 


1907 ] OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 291 

hundreds stood during the entire stage performance. It was 
a physical impossibility to seat all. Good order and decorum 
marked the entire proceedings. The evening’s pleasure began 
with a stage performance by leading artists playing in the 
city, who cheerfully volunteered for the occasion. 


PROGRAMME. 


Overture—Selected.St. Cecile Orchestra 

Direction Bro. Carl F. Williams 
Pages, Miss Olive Skinner, Miss Josephine Clyde 

1 Carroll and Cooke.New Comedy Sketch 

2 Bro. Willy Zimmermann, 

Impersonations of famous Composers and Musical Directors 

Verdi Metra Maurice Levi 

Creatore Sousa Hammerstein 


3 Una Clayton and Company.“What’s in a Name?” 

4 Jack Norworth. The College Boy 

5 Miss Daisy Harcourt .English Comedienne 

6 Pilar Morin . . In a Dramatic Monologue Entitled “ The Actress ” 

7 Frank Fogarty .The Dublin Minstrel 

8 The Dancing Mitchels 

9 Miss Gertie Reynolds and her Twirly-Whirly Girls 

Singing and Dancing 

10 Baby Elinore, child phenomenon, in Songs 

11 Murray Sisters.Vocalists 

12 Miss Sabery D’Orsel ..The Little Nightingale 

13 John Nestor.The Little Man with the Big Voice 

14 Charlie Wilkens.The Boy in White 

15 St. Cecialiascope .... Presenting the Latest Motion Pictures 


The splendid orchestra, all members of the lodge, was com¬ 
posed of Bro. Carl F. Williams, conductor, with Bros. Wil¬ 
liam Fenrich, Martin Van Praag, Gaetano Pinto, Anton 
Kleinfelder, Hugo Miller, Edward Lang, Fred Blodgett, 
Harry Van Praag, Bruno Pfeiffer, John Magdalin, Arthur 
Berry, Charles Freudenvoll, George Kampe, Nicola Del Ne¬ 
gro, Fred. Sonty, Gustav A. Myers, John Schilling, Balt Kis- 
senberth and August Schmehl. In addition to the orchestra 
there was a fine promenade band, composed of Bro. F. Ernest 
Erdmann, leader, and Bros. Louis Boeder, Edward Clarke, 
John Pfeiffer, Henry Hackert, Frank Stretz, David Fink, 












292 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


Carl Wolff, Fred La Croix, Anthony Pinto, Luigi Ferrari, 
Alexander Finnie, Albert Simerlein, Oscar Grett, Martin 
Schlig and August Helmecke. A glance at these well-known 
names will indicate the superior character of the music pro¬ 
vided. 

One of the pleasantest incidents of an evening replete with 
enjoyment occurred in the dining hall when W. Bro. George 
W. Hackenberger arose and after complimenting W. Bro. 
William E. Tway upon the success of his year as Master, 
presented him as a token from the lodge a locket ornamented 
with diamonds. The inscription on the handsome gift 
indicated that the brethren of the lodge desired to evince in 
some way the popularity of the Past Master. For the first 
time in many years the genial personality of W. Bro. James 
H. Curtin was missed from the scene. The brother was laid 
up utterly helpless with muscular rheumatism. Bro. Frank G. 
Howie was also absent through illness. The reception of this 
year was of a size to start the brethren thinking as to what 
is to be the outcome in future years should the attendance 
continue to increase at the present rate. The principal work 
of arranging this affair was in the hands of a General Com¬ 
mittee of forty-five trained and experienced brethren, with 
Bro. H. W. Entwistle, Senior Warden, as chairman; R. W. 
Bro. Loesch, treasurer. Of the numerous subsidiary com¬ 
mittees, chairmen were: Reception, W. Bro. George W. Hack¬ 
enberger ; Refreshments, Bro. William A. Baird; Talent, W. 
Bro. George E. Wallen; Floor, Bro. Phil S. Friedenberg; 
Decorations, W. Bro. George W. Hackenberger; Stage, Bro. 
William J. Cooke; Music, Bro. F. Ernest Erdmann; Ushers, 
Bro. John J. Dowers; Box Office, Bros. Frank G. Howie 
and Joseph A. Pile; Door, Bro. Joseph Davidoff; Badges, 
Bro. Phil S. Friedenberg; Carriages, Bro. George D. Free¬ 
stone. 

The accompanying table shows the dates of the elections of 
former years, together with dates of installations and public 
entertainments: 


1907 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


293 


This table will doubtless revive many recollections of 
pleasurable experiences now treasured as never to be forgotten 
memories. 


INSTALLATIONS AND ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENTS. 


Master. 

Date of 
Election. 

Public 

Installation. 

Installed 

By. 

Vbddows. 

July 11, 1865 


Holmes. . . 

a 

Dec. 19, 1865 


Thorpe.... 

flsley. 

Dec. 18, 1866 


Widdows. . 

a 

Dec. 17, 1867 


Macoy.... 

Burnett. 

Dec. 15, 1868 


Ilslev. 

Downing. 

Dec. 21, 1869 


Wiltsie. 

■Sherwin. 

Dec. 20, 1870 


Macoy.... 

Decker. 

Dec. 19, 1871 


Sherwin.. . 

« 

Dec. 17, 1872 


Boak. 


Dec. 16, 1873 


Boak. 

Hopkins. 

Dec. 15, 1874 


Boak. 


Dec. 21, 1875 


Boak. 

a 

Dec. 19, 1876 


Boak. 

Leonard . 

Dec. IS, 1877 


Thorne. . . 

U 

Dec. 17, 1878 


Boak. 

Jacoby. 

Dec. 16. 1879 


Brown.... 

Allen T. 

Dec. 21, 1880 


Morrison. . 

U 

Dec. 20, 1881 


Morrison. . 

U 

Dec. 19, 1882 

Jan. 2, 1883 

Moirison. . 

u 

Dec. 18, 18S3 

Jan. 15, 1884 

Roome.... 

Latham. 

Dec. 16, 1884 

Flagler.... 

Agan. 

Dec. 15, 1885 


Ehlers.... 

Decker. 

Dec. 21' 1886 

Jan. 4, 1887 

Roome.... 

Govan. 

Dec. 20, 1887 

Jan. 3, 1888 

Ehlers.... 

Morse. 

Dec. 18| 1888 

Jan. 15, 1889 

Ehlers.... 

Schlig. 

Dec. 17, 1889 

Jan. 7, 1890 

Ehlers.... 

Donogh. 

Dec. 16j 1S90 

Jan. 6, 1891 

Ehlers.... 

Reeker. 

Dec. 15j 1891 

Jan. 5, 1892 

Sherer.... 

a 

Dec. 20; 1892 

Ehlers.... 

a 

Dec. 19, 1893 

Jan. 9, 1894 

Ehlers.... 

Curtin. 

Dec. 18, 1894 

Jan. 8, 1895 

Stewart. . . 

Low. 

Dec. 17, 1895 

Jan. 7, 1896 

Gillie. 

a 

Dec. 29, 1896 

Ehlers.... 

Risnett. 

Dec. 21, 1897 

Jan. 11, 1898 

Ehlers.... 

a 

Dec. 20, 1898 

Reclcer.... 

Clavton. 

Dec. 19, 1899 


Ehlers.... 

Th icier. 

Dec. 18i 1900 


Akers. 

Greene. 

Dec. 31, 1901 


Ehlers.... 

Loeseh . 

Dec. 30, 1902 


Ehlers.... 

Wallen. 

Dec. 29, 1903 


Duncan. . . 

Johnston. 

Dec. 20, 1904 


Ehlers.... 

Twa.y . 

Dec. 19, 1905 


Ehlers.... 

Hn, ekenberger . 

Dec. IS, 1906 


Ehlers.... 

a 

Dec. 31 j 1907. 


Silver. 

Entwist.le. 

Dec. 30, 1908 


Ehlers. 

Dnwers. 

Dec. 21, 1909 


Ehlers.... 

Shepard. 

Dec. 20, 1910 


Ehlers.... 

Willia.ms. 

Dec. 19, 1911 


Ehlers.... 

Holcomb. 

Dec. 31, 19 1 2 


Ehlers.... 

Erdmann. 

Dec. 30, 1913 


Ehlers. . . . 

Brodie. 

Dec. 29, 1914 


Ehlers.... 

Tindle. 

Dec. 21, 1915 


Ehlers.... 


Place and Date of 
Annual Entertainment. 


Commandery Room. 

Commandery Room. 

Commandery Room. 

Grand Lodge Hall. 

Grand Lodge Hall. 

Grand Lodge Hall 

Chickering Hall, Jan. 10 

Grand Lodge Hall. 

Grand Lodge Hall. 

Grand Lodge Hall. 

Chickering Hall, Jan. 26. 

Grand Lodge Hall. 

Star Theatre, Jan. 27. 

Chickering Hall, Feb. 27. 

Terrace Garden, Mar. 27. 

Lenox Lyceum, Jan. 23. 

Terrace Garden, April 2. 

Terrace Garden, Mar. 10. 

Terrace Garden, Mar. 9. 

Terrace Garden, Mar. 8. 

Terrace Garden, Mar. 7. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Mar. 5, 1908. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Mar. 4, 1909. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Mar. 3, 1910. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Mar. 15, 1911. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Mar. 6, 1912. 

Great Charity Ball, 71st 
Reg’t Armory, Feb. 12, 
1913. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Mar. 18, 1914. 

Lexington Opera House, 
Jan. 18, 1915. 

Hotel McAlpin, Dec. 6,1916, 


At the communication of March 19, Bro. Charles M. Wil¬ 
liams, Historian of the lodge, reported that the Lodge His¬ 
tory was completed and ready for publication. The Master 
















































































































































294 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


thereupon appointed as a committee to devise ways and 
means for printing the book R. W. George Loesch, W. Bro. 
William E. Tway and Bro. Charles M. Williams. 

It was learned with pleasure that M. W. Townsend Scud- 
der, Grand Master, had, on April 1, appointed W. Bro. 
George E. Wallen as Grand Representative of the Grand 
Lodge of Colorado near the Grand Lodge of Hew York. Ho 
stronger evidence of the high regard in which Bro. Wallen 
is held could be desired than was evidenced by the attendance 
at the meeting of April 16, when R. W. Bro. Wallen received 
his certificate. The presentation was made by Most Worship¬ 
ful John Stewart, Past Grand Master, who spoke in earnest 
terms of the great esteem in which the Right Worshipful 
Brother is held by the brethren. After placing in his hands 
the appointment of the Grand Master, Bro. Stewart, on be¬ 
half of the lodge, presented Bro. Wallen with an elaborately 
decorated apron appropriate to his station in the grand body. 
Bro. Wallen made a brief speech of thanks in accepting the 
gift. R. W. Daniel S. Dougherty, District Deputy of the 
Seventh, then addressed the lodge in regard to the children 
in the Masonic Home at Utica. Among the many distin¬ 
guished brethren present were M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
members of the Square Club and the Masonic Club, and a 
great number of others distinguished in the fraternity. Tele¬ 
grams of congratulation were received from several promi¬ 
nent Masonic friends. Among the visitors from foreign 
jurisdictions were a member of the Grand Lodge of Hor- 
way and a member of the Grand Lodge of Hungary. Appro¬ 
priate music was contributed by an orchestra of thirteen 
pieces, under direction of Bro. F. Ernest Erdmann. 

DEATH OF TWO WELL-KNOWN MEMBERS 

Intelligence of the serious illness of W. Bro. William H. 
Donogh was received at the lodge meeting of March 27. The 
malady was believed to be diabetes, accompanied by a sore¬ 
ness of the foot. The latter grew rapidly worse, necessitating 
several operations. Finally the leg was amputated at the hip. 


1907 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


295 


From this operation the patient never rallied, and on the 
morning of Tuesday, April 9, W. Bro. Donogh breathed his 
last. Masonic funeral services were held at the residence in 
Brooklyn on Thursday evening, at nine o’clock. There were 
present W. Bro. George W. Hackenberger, the Wardens of 
the lodge, and fifteen brethren. A brief sketch of Bro. Don- 
ogh’s life will be found in the annals of 1891 in this volume. 

Another old member who died very suddenly, on Monday, 
April 29, was Bro. Theodore Austin Cays, who affiliated from 
Joppa Lodge, No. 201, in January, 1879. Bro. Cays had 
been walking outdoors with his wife about the noon hour, 
and upon entering his residence threw himself down on a 
lounge with the remark that he did not feel very well. In 
an hour his estimable helpmate was horrified to find him dead. 
The cause of his sudden demise, was attributed to an attack 
of acute indigestion. Bro. Cays was a printer, in later years 
a proof-reader. He served in the Eighty-eighth New York 
Volunteers during the Civil War, and was a member of Phil 
Sheridan Post, No. 14, Department of the Potomac. While 
employed upon a metropolitan newspaper, after the war, he 
lost the sight of one eye. Soon afterward he obtained a posi¬ 
tion in the Government Printing Office at Washington, D. C. 
Eventually he lost the sight of his remaining eye, becoming 
totally blind six years before his death. He was still able to 
perform many tasks in a satisfactory manner notwithstand¬ 
ing his great handicap, but finally retired from active labor, 
subsisting mainly on his pension from the Government. Bro. 
Cays was of a cheerful, sanguine temperament, which caused 
him to be a welcome visitor at lodge meetings whenever he 
could attend. He was well known to almost all the members, 
who admired him for his courage and honesty. In addition 
to St. Cecile Lodge Brother Cays had been for forty years a 
member in good standing of the International Typographical 
Union, a national labor organization renowned for its benefi¬ 
cent enterprises. He was threescore and ten at the time of his 
death, but looked a great deal younger. Masonic services wer<* 


296 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


held at the residence in Harlem on Wednesday afternoon, W. 
Bro. George W. Hackenberger presiding, assisted by a number 
of the brethren. The interment was in Kensico Cemetery, 
and was attended by a committee from the lodge. 

There was a large attendance at the annual communication 
of the Grand Lodge, which began its sessions in the Grand 
Lodge Hall, Tuesday, May 7. The following musical pro¬ 
gramme was rendered by the lodge band: 

ORCHESTRA OF ST. CEOILE LODGE, NO. 568 

ASSISTED BY THE 

METROPOLITAN LADIES’ QUARTETTE 
Direction of Bro. F. Ernest Erdmann 

AT 1.80 PRECISELY 


Overture—“ Semiramide ” Rossini 

Selection—“II Trovatore ”.Verdi 

Selection—“ La Traviata ”.Verdi 


AT 2 P. M. 

ENTRANCE OF COMMITTEES OF GRAND LODGE 


March—“ The Gladiators ”.Tobani 

ENTRANCE OF GRAND REPRESENTATIVES 

March—“ Shot and Shell ”.Erdmann 

ENTRANCE OF GRAND MASTER AND OFFICERS AND PERMANENT MEMBERS 

OF GRAND LODGE 

Coronation March—“ Folkunger ”.Kretchmar 

Ladies’ Quartette—“ The Palms ”.Faure 

Accompanied by String Quintette 

’Cello Solo—Bro. Sol Pfeiffer.Selected 

Ladies’ Quartette—“ The Lost Chord ”.Sullivan 

Accompanied by String Quintette 


MEMBERS OF ORCHESTRA 
Conductor, Bro. F. Ernest Erdmann 

Bro. Martin Van Praag, Bro. Lester Hirsch, 

“ Anton Kleinfelder, “ Hugo Miller, 

“ William Fenrich, “ Edward Lang, Violins. 











1907] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


297 


Bro. Max Friedmann, Viola » 
“ Sol. Pfeiffer, Cello. 

“ Bruno Pfeiffer, Bass. 

“ Arthur Berry, Flute. 

“ Chas. Freudenvoll, 

“ David Fink, Clarinet. 

“ Louis Boeder, Trumpet. 


Bro. John Pfeiffer. 

“ Fred Sonty, Cornet. 

“ Carl Wolff, 

“ Fred La Croix, Horns. 

“ Gustav A. Myers, Trombone. 
“ John Magdalin, Small Drum. 
“ August Schmehl, Bass Drum. 


Constitutional notice having been given, the brethren were 
summoned May 21 for the purpose of taking up the recom¬ 
mendations of the committee appointed to revise the by-laws. 
The various sections had been carefully considered, and after 
hearing the report of the committee it was decided by vote 
of the lodge to accept the recommendations as a whole. The 

by-laws as amended are in full as follows: 

€/ 


ARTICLE I. 

This lodge shall be known and designated as St. Cecile Lodge, No. 
568, Free and Accepted Masons, working under a warrant from the Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York. 


ARTICLE II. 

Sec. 1.—The regular Communications of this Lodge shall be held on 
the First, Third and Fifth Tuesdays of each month, at 1.30 o’clock in 
the afternoon (omitting those on legal holidays). Between the last Com¬ 
munication in June and the Second Communication in September the 
Lodge may take a recess, subject to the call of the Master. 

Sec. 2.—Special Communications may be called by the Master upon 
any emergency which he may deem necessary ; but no business shall be 
transacted at such Special Communication except that for which it is 
called. 


ARTICLE III. 

Sec. 1.—The elective officers of this Lodge shall be: Master, Senior 
Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustees, who shall 
be elected annually by ballot at the last stated Communication in Decem¬ 
ber, for which the Lodge shall be summoned. 




298 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


Sec. 2.—The appointive officers shall be: Senior Deacon, Junior 
Deacon, two Masters of Ceremonies, Chaplain, Marshal, Organist and 
Organist’s Assistant, Tiler, Assistant Tiler, two Stewards, and a His¬ 
torian. 

Sec. 3. —There shall be a Finance Committee of three, appointed by 
the Master at his installation, whose duty it shall be to examine the 
books, vouchers, etc., of the Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustees, and 
from time to time, as required, report in writing to the Lodge. They 
shall also examine and audit all bills, accounts and claims presented to 
the Lodge for payment and report thereon in writing at each meeting 
of the lodge. 


ARTICLE IV. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Sec. 1.—The duties of the Master and Senior and Junior Wardens shall 
be as provided by the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. 

Sec. 2.—The Treasurer shall receive all moneys from Secretary, give 
his receipt for the same, keep true and faithful account thereof, and pay 
all drafts that have been passed and found correct by the Finance Com¬ 
mittee, on the warrant of the Lodge, signed by the Master and attested 
by the Secretary. This warrant shall constitute a check, and shall not 
be honored at the bank upon which it is drawn unless it is signed by the 
Master, Secretary and Treasurer, with the title of office opposite each 
signature. He shall deposit all moneys received by him as Treasurer 
to the credit of the Lodge in banks designated by the Trustees. He shall 
keep an account of the receipts and disbursements and submit a complete 
report to the Lodge at the last stated communication in December, or 
at other times if the lodge so directs, of the amount of expenses of the 
Lodge and moneys in his hands, or in banks; and when legally called 
upon he shall deliver up all money in his hands, books, papers, etc., be¬ 
longing to the Lodge, to his successor in office. 

Sec. 3.—It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend all Communi¬ 
cations of the Lodge, to keep a correct and true record of all proceedings 
of the same, keep the accounts between the Members and the Lodge, re¬ 
ceive all moneys for dues, initiations, etc., and pay them over without 
delay to the Treasurer, and take his receipt therefor, which shall be his 
voucher in settlement of his account; conduct the correspondence of the 
Lodge, under the direction of the Master; notify the Members of the 
Lodge of all Special Communications at the order of the Master; furnish 
the Chairmen of Special Committees with the names of their associates, 
together with a copy of the resolutions or subject referred to them by the 
Lodge; also the residence of the candidates proposed for initiation or 
affiliation, stating their references, etc.; and shall notify candidates of 
their election or rejection. He shall file in the Grand Secretary’s office, 
immediately after every Election of Officers, the names of the Master, 



1907] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


299 


and Senior and Junior Wardens; make out a return to the Grand Lodge 
as often as the Law requires ; notify the Grand Secretary of every Sus¬ 
pension or Expulsion, Restoration or Rejection in the Lodge. He shall, 
at all Regular Communications of the Lodge, have the minute book and 
all other documents of the Lodge for reference if required, and perform 
such other duties as are prescribed by the Constitution of the Grand 
Lodge; and at the expiration of his term of office he shall transfer all 
books, papers, seal, and any other property of the Lodge in his possess- 
sion, to his successor in office. And for the faithful performance of his 
duties he shall receive four hundred dollars per annum, payable quarterly, 
and be exempt from the payment of Lodge dues during the period he 
serves as Secretary. 

Sec. 4. —It shall be the duty of the Organist to preside at the organ 
and perform such music as the Master may direct; and for the faithful 
performance of his duties he shall receive five dollars for each Communi¬ 
cation at which he officiates, payable quarterly. The Assistant to Or¬ 
ganist shall receive one dollar and twenty-five cents for each Communica¬ 
tion, payable quarterly. 

Sec. 5. —It shall be the duty of the Tiler to keep all the properties 
clean and in order for the meetings of the Lodge; in all respects he shall 
be under the direction of the Master; and for the faithful performance 
of his duties he shall receive three dollars for each Communication at 
which he shall officiate, payable quarterly. 

Sec. 6. —The Board of Trustees shall consist of three members, to be 
chosen by ballot at the Annual Election, one of whom shall be elected 
by the Lodge each year, to hold office for the term of three years. 

Sec. 7.—It shall be the duty of the Trustees to hold in trust all 
Real and Personal property of the Lodge, subject to its direction and 
control, and deposit all moneys received by them in savings banks to the 
credit of the Lodge. 

Sec. 8. —Any vacancy or vacancies in the Board of Trustees shall be 
filled by an election, at any stated Communication of the Lodge, the 
members thereof being duly summoned for that purpose. 

Sec. 9.—No Trustee shall be eligible to the office of Treasurer, or 
appointed on the Finance Committee, during his term as Trustee. 


ARTICLE V. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Sec. 1.—Any member of the Lodge desiring to propose a candidate 
for membership therein must first give notice thereof to the Lodge on 
the form furnished by the Lodge known as “ Intention to Propose.” A 
copy or abstract of such notice of “ Intention to Propose ” must be in¬ 
serted in at least one regular notice of Lodge meeting, and mailed to 
each member before the proposition can be received. 



300 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


Sec. 2.—Any person desirous of being initiated in this Lodge must 
be proposed in writing by a member thereof at a Stated Communication ; 
the member making the proposition shall state therein the age, birthplace, 
profession, and residence of the person proposed. If the Lodge consent 
to receive the proposition, it shall be referred to a committee of three, 
whose duty it shall be to make a thorough investigation into the Physical, 
Mental, and Moral qualifications of said candidate, and make a report 
at the next Stated Communication thereafter, unless further time be 
granted, provided a period of two weeks shall have elapsed. On the 
report of said Committee being made, the Lodge shall proceed to ballot 
for the candidate, and if no black ball appear against him, he shall be 
declared elected; but should one black ball appear against him, the 
Master may, at his discretion, order another ballot, when, if a black ball 
finally appears, he shall be rejected. 

Sec. 3.—No person can receive any Degree in this Lodge, or become a 
member thereof, who is not of mature age, sound in mind, possessing a 
good character, a trade or profession, or some visible way of acquiring 
an honest and respectable livelihood, and acknowledging a belief in the 
existence of an ever living and true God. 

Sec. 4.—A Mason desiring to become a member of this Lodge by affili¬ 
ation must produce a certificate of having paid his dues in his former 
Lodge, and of his having left the same in good standing, subject to the 
conditions set forth in Section 2 of this article. 


ARTICLE VI. 

PROPOSITIONS. 

Sec. 1.—Every proposition for Initiation in this Lodge shall be accom¬ 
panied by a fee of $10, which, if the candidate be elected, shall constitute 
part of his initiation fee, and in no case shall a proposition be received 
unless accompanied by such fee. 

Sec. 2.—If a proposed candidate be rejected, the proposition fee shall 
be returned; but if an elected candidate shall fail to present himself for 
initiation or membership within six months after his election, the election 
shall be null and the proposition fee forfeited, unless sickness or absence 
from the city has been the cause of such failure, when the time may be 
extended by the Master or Lodge. 


ARTICLE VII. 

FEES AND DUES. 

Sec. 1.—The initiation fee shall be $30.00. The affiliation fee shall 
be $10.00. 

Sec. 2.—The annual dues shall be $6.00, payable semi-annually. 




1907] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


301 


Sec. 3. —Any member neglecting to pay his dues for one year shall 
be disfranchised from voting for any officer of the Lodge, or from holding 
any office, either elective or appointive, and shall be liable to the penalty 
of unaffiliation. 

Sec. 4.—A member may withdraw from this Lodge by presenting a 
written application therefor at a Stated Communication, provided he is 
clear on the books. Such Brother may at his request be restored to 
membership at any Stated Communication by a majority vote, taken by 
a show of hands. 

Sec. 5.—A member whose name has been stricken from the roll cannot 
again become a member of this Lodge without paying his indebtedness. 

Sec. 6.—A brother of this Lodge shall not be suspended or expelled 
from membership, unless charges be preferred, duly specifying his offence, 
presented by a brother in good standing, and the accused being allowed 
full opportunity to make his defence. 


ARTICLE VIII. 

COMMITTEES. 

Sec. 1. —The Master and Wardens shall constitute a Relief Com¬ 
mittee, whose duty it shall be to investigate all applications for assistance. 
This committee shall have power to afford immediate relief in cases of 
emergency, but in no case shall a sum exceeding Ten dollars be donated 
at one time. 

Sec. 2. —Special Committees may be appointed upon any business, and 
consist of as many members as the Lodge may think proper. 

All Committees shall report at the next stated Communication subse¬ 
quent to their appointment, said report to be in writing unless otherwise 
permitted by the Lodge. All Committees shall be appointed by the Master 
unless otherwise provided for. 

Members who are appointed to serve upon Committees shall feel bound 
in honor to give patient and diligent attention to the business of their 
appointment, and shall faithfully report their conclusions to the Lodge. 


ARTICLE IX. 

discipline, offence, trials, etc. 

Sec. 1.—An offence in Masonry is defined to be an act which con¬ 
travenes these By-laws, any constitutional rule or edict of the Grand 
Lodge, any infraction of the unwritten law of Masonry, any law of the 
land, or any law of God. 

Sec. 2.—When an offence has been committed by a member or members 
of this Lodge against the laws of Freemasonry and charges are preferred 




302 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


thereon, it shall be the duty of the Master to appoint a commission of 
not less than three or more than seven disinterested members of the 
Lodge, who shall appoint a time and place for the trial most convenient 
for those interested and summon the parties and their witnesses. After 
due investigation of all the facts of the case the Commissioners shall 
found their judgment thereon and give notice to the parties interested. 
A majority must concur in such judgment, which, if approved by the 
Lodge, shall be final, unless an appeal is taken therefrom to the Grand 
Lodge within six months, in which case it shall be the duty of the Com¬ 
missioners, upon receiving notice of such appeal, to transmit their report 
to the Grand Secretary. 


ARTICLE X. 

AMENDMENTS. 

These By-laws may be repealed, annulled, altered or amended, pro¬ 
vided a proposal in writing so to do shall have been presented to the 
Lodge at least two stated Communications previous to action thereon; 
when, if two-thirds of the members present vote in favor of the amend¬ 
ment, it shall be adopted. 

Several very important changes have been made in the 
laws. The second section of the fourth article changes the 
method of handling lodge money; the third section increases 
the Secretary’s salary. A new section is incorporated in 
Article V., making it necessary to give previous notice before 
proposing candidates for membership. Another notable 
change is the entire elimination of the former section relating 
to funeral benefits. 

When it was learned that Bro. Joseph Davidoff, the Senior 
Steward of the lodge, was contemplating a trip to Europe, 
his friends determined to mark his departure with some evi¬ 
dence of their good will. Bro. Davidoff was inveigled to the 
rooms of the Masonic Club on Monday afternoon, May 27, 
the day before he sailed, where to his surprise he found a 
score of the brethren awaiting him. After the exchange of 
greetings, and on behalf the brethren, W. Bro. William E. 
Tway addressed Bro. Davidoff, expressing in glowing terms 
the affection in which he was held, and concluded by attach¬ 
ing to the esteemed brother’s watch chain a handsome Masonic 



1907] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


303 


charm in the form of a locket. Bro. Davidoff, taken by sur¬ 
prise, found difficulty in expressing his thanks. The brethren 
all wished him bon voyage and a safe return. 

FELLOW CRAFT CLUB IS STARTED 

The formation by Bro. John J. Dowers, Senior Deacon, 
of an organization among the members of St. Cecile to be 
known as the Fellowcraft Club met with the hearty approval 
of the Master, as well as the support of the brethren. The 
principal object of the club is to assist the Senior Deacon in 
improving the degree work. Such an organization will doubt¬ 
less be the means of bringing out new talent and promoting 
sociability among the lodge members. The president is Bro. 
John J. Dowers; the secretary, Bro. Herman Hauen. Other 
members enrolled are: W. Bro. George W. Hackenberger, 
B. W. George E. Wallen, W. Bros. William E. Tway, C. Ed¬ 
ward Low, Bros. Harry W. Entwistle, Albert O’Donohue, 
George Kellington, Theodore Tobani, Charles F. Shepard, 
E. Feuchtwanger, William J. Cooke, Joseph Davidoff, David 
Fink, David C. Patterson, Mark Guth, George H. Thomas, 
August Schmehl, D. D. Bernstein, S. Finklestein. 

Earnest support by the Worshipful Master encouraged the 
members of the Fellowcraft Club, and one of the practical 
results was the division of the Second Degree lecture into 
several parts, giving an opportunity for brethren from the 
floor to recite some portion of the ritualistic work in the lodge 
room. This had the effect of bringing to light unexpected 
talent, and stimulated interest in the work. 

Among the visitors welcomed by the Worshipful Master 
at the second communication in July was B. W. William J. 
Duncan, convalescent after a long illness. A good natured 
raffle was held this day in the corridors for a gold watch, 
for the benefit of the widow of Bro. Theodore C. Cays. Bro. 
George Delaney, of the Morning Telegraph, won with Ho. 
342, and generously returned the watch to the widow. 


304 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


Bro. Georg© Kellington received the formal thanks of the 
Lodge for his efforts in this praiseworthy project, which 
realized a substantial sum. During the hour of refreshment 
there was a delightful concert by Bros. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
Simon Einkelstein, Edward Lang, Frederick Blodgett, Al¬ 
bert Simerlein, Anton P. Kleinfelder and John Schilling 
and at the close of the Master’s degree the lessons of the 
historical legend were explained in an instructive and pleas¬ 
ing manner by B. W. Edward C. Ehlers, P. G. D. C. 


CELEBRATION OF THE 1000TH COMMUNICATION 

Preparations had been going on for some time, under the 
able direction of W. William E. Tway, chairman of a large 
and enthusiastic committee, and on July 30, there was an 
outpouring of brethren that completely filled the Command- 
ery Boom to its utmost capacity. For quite a lengthy period 
W. George W. Hackenberger, the Master, had his hands full 
welcoming the visiting delegations, and giving appropriate 
greeting to the great number of distinguished visitors. The 
room was handsomely decorated for the occasion, and there 
was an orchestra of some thirty pieces directed by Bro. 
Ernest F. Erdmann. 

After an invocation, Bev. Thomas Losee, Chaplain of the 
Lodge, was invited by the Worshipful Master to address the 
assemblage. The Chaplain alluded principally to the rea¬ 
sons St. Cecile Lodge had for thanksgiving. Bro. Charles 
Miller Williams, the Lodge Historian, was the next speaker, 
and he briefly outlined some of the greater activities of the 
Lodge, describing the part taken by the Lodge at the build¬ 
ing and consecration of the Masonic Hall in which we were 
now so happily assembled. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
Grand Secretary, was introduced and received an ovation 
lasting several minutes. His references to the personality 
and character of the founders of the Lodge, all of whom he 
had known, were enthusiastically applauded. At the con- 



WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1907 






1907 ] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


305 


elusion of his address, he called for Bro. Thomas S. Ned- 
ham, the first Junior Warden, now in his 88th year, and as 
Bro. Hedham advanced to the east, the orchestra struck up 
“Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot,” the entire as¬ 
semblage rising and joining in the singing. It was a most 
inspiring scene. M. W. John Stewart, Past Grand Master, 
felicitated the Lodge upon its prosperity and the esprit de 
corps prevailing. After these addresses a luncheon was 
spread in the adjoining banquet hall, where, owing to the 
crowd, the brethren were served in relays. During intervals 
there was stirring music by the orchestra. W. Frank Elting, 
Master of University Lodge, No. 610, Philadelphia, with a 
large delegation, was received with honors. Among the 
many distinguished brethren present were several hundred 
Masters and a large proportion of the Grand Lodge officers. 
In every particular the celebration was a success. Before the 
close of the meeting copies of the first edition of this work 
were received and distributed, and the Lodge was compli¬ 
mented by everybody on the fine appearance of the book. 

At the communication of August 6 the committee in charge 
of the 1000th Communication Celebration were the recipients 
of many compliments on the fine affair provided. At this 
communication, on the recommendation of the Historian, a 
resolution of thanks was adopted, and with a substantial sum 
of money, given to Bro. Hinmers T. White, of Crescent 
Lodge, Ho. 402, for valuable assistance as reviser in the 
printing of the Lodge history. H 

Bro. John C. Swope, in his forty-seventh year, died at 
Centreport, L. I., on August 6. The Lodge was summoned 
in emergent communication, and the brethren left the city 
by rail at 10:15 a. m., on the 10th inst. The Masonic 
service for the dead was read by the Worshipful Master at 
the residence. About twenty brethren, together with the 
relatives and friends, then followed the remains to the ceme¬ 
tery near by. Bro. Swope, who had been treasurer of the 
Rice and Barton theatrical enterprises, was a brother of 


30G 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


Barton and George Swope, of St. Cecile Lodge, all of whom 
are favorably known in the theatrical world. 

According to the programme arranged early in the spring 
by the committee having the enterprise in hand, it was 
planned to have a public jollification in celebration of the 
1000th Communication to follow the more dignified and 
formal communication held behind the tiled doors of the 
Lodge room. Invitations were sent out for the evening of 
September 11th, and Terrace Garden was brilliantly illumi¬ 
nated in anticipation of the usual St. Cecile throngs. The 
hall was tastefully decorated, and over the stage hung a Wel¬ 
come,” in brilliant electric lights. But alas! A heavy 
thunder storm came up in the early evening which deterred 
many timorous ones, and the attendance was somewhat dis¬ 
appointing, considering the great throngs one is accustomed 
to see at St. Cecile entertainments. However, the fair-sized 
crowd who came enjoyed a splendid evening of dancing in¬ 
terspersed with stage performances, and a bountiful lunch 
was provided in the adjoining restaurant hall. Among the 
artists who contributed to the pleasures of the occasion 
were Miss Ray Cox, “the girl from Dixie”; Bro. Charles 
Semon, known as the “narrer feller”; Frank Fogarty, 
who sang of Erin’s Isle; Bro. George B. Alexander, who 
came from Boston expressly to appear; and Bro. Ed. Rog¬ 
ers’ spectacular production, “Cotton Blossoms.” A hand¬ 
somely printed booklet, written and arranged by R. W. 
George Loesch, describing St., Cecile Lodge, was presented 
to each person present. W. William E. Tway was chairman 
of the committee with Bro. John J. Dowers as treasurer, and 
Bro. Philip S. Friedenburg as floor manager. The stage, 
as usual, was under the direction of W. James H. Curtin. 

Lodge brethren who were at this time suffering from vari¬ 
ous forms of illness were not forgotten by those more for¬ 
tunate, and every meeting was replete with reports concerning 
the relief of distress. Bro. Herman P. Foerster was in the 
German Hospital, where he had been for two months, ill 


1907] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


307 


with various disorders, but was now reported on the mend; 
Bro. Elmer L. Ingalls, in St. Mary’s Hospital, Brooklyn, 
was reported to be quite ill; Bro. Albert Misbler was in the 
hospital at Franklin, Pa., and there were others ill at their 
homes. The Master and brethren kept in close touch with 
the sufferers, and, wherever possible, relief was given. 

In October the brethren enjoyed a novelty during the 
rendition of the second degree lecture, as delivered by R. W. 
George Loesch, who introduced an accompaniment of violins 
and ’cello, the music being contributed by Bros. Ernest E. 
Erdmann, Sol Pfeiffer, Henry Mueller and Max Friedman. 
This proved to he a regular St. Cecile Lodge innovation, 
strikingly characteristic of our talented membership. Dur¬ 
ing the refreshment hour there was also a pleasing instru¬ 
mental concert provided by the same artists. A committee 
was at this time appointed to provide a suitable testimonial 
for presentation to the Historian. 

The Worshipful Master had the unexpected pleasure of 
a visit by R. W. Louis Donnatin, District Deputy, who ad¬ 
dressed the brethren on the subject of a donation toward the 
purchase of a new organ for the Home in Utica. It is rare 
indeed that any appeal for a worthy cause goes unheeded 
in St. Cecile Lodge, and on this occasion the District Deputy 
was quickly made happy by a substantial check. At this 
communication, also, the committee having in charge the 
disposal of certain articles belonging to our lately deceased 
brother, Charles H. McPherson, reported that they had real¬ 
ized a tidy sum, and were discharged with thanks. 

Agreeable to notice previously given, R. W. Louis Don¬ 
natin, District Deputy, made his official visitation on Tues¬ 
day, October 29. In anticipation of this important function 
there were present a large attendance of the brethren, in¬ 
cluding many visitors. The distinguished representative of 
the Grand Master was escorted by many members of the 
historic Square Club. R. W. George E. Wallen presented 
the District Deputy in a eulogistic speech and after a warm 


308 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


welcome by the Worshipful Master the District Deputy was 
received with the more formal honors befitting his high 
station. Bro. Donnatin delivered a stirring address which 
was liberally applauded by the brethren. 

As a pleasant reminder of this occasion W. William E. 
Tway presented to Bro. Donnatin a handsome gold pocket 
knife, suitably inscribed, for which Bro. Donnatin very 
cheerfully paid a small coin to relieve the minds of any who 
hold to old superstitions. This coin later on figured in the 
receipts of the day, causing no end of merriment among the 
brethren. At the conclusion of the Master Mason degree 
R. W. Robert Judson Kenworthy gave an explanation of the 
third degree legend which gained for him the applause of all 
hearers, as well as the more formal expressions of gratitude 
from the Master. During the refreshment hour instrumental 
music of superior excellence was contributed by a number 
of the Lodge brethren, under the direction of Bro. Ernest 
F. Erdmann, all of which added greatly to an afternoon long 
to be remembered with pleasure. 

The first Tuesday of November being a public holiday, 
no communication was held on that day, but a “special” 
was called for the succeeding Thursday, the 7th inst. In the 
absence of the Worshipful Master, detained by important 
business, Bro. Harry W. Entwistle presided, and the Fellow 
Craft degree was conferred on candidates in due form, after 
which the Lodge closed. Bro. William M. Thoms, who had 
become incapacitated through illness, requested permission 
of the Lodge to go to the TJtica Home. At the communica¬ 
tion of the third week of November the Worshipful Master 
reported that he had placed Bro. Thoms in that splendid in¬ 
stitution, where in all probability he would regain his health 
amid the salubrious breezes of the Mohawk Valley. The 
newly printed by-laws were distributed and read with inter¬ 
est. Among the visitors welcomed at this time were R. W. 
Louis Donnatin, District Deputy, and Bro. L. F. Armbrecht, 
Junior Deacon, St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 865, Chicago, Ill. 


1907] 


OF ST. CEGILE LODGE. 


309 


BAZAAR PREPARED BY THE LADIES 

Those who visited the Commandery Room on the second 
Tuesday afternoon of December certainly had a surprise, 
for the entire floor had the appearance of a fancy bazaar. 
For weeks fair ladies had been at work preparing for their 
“day” at the Lodge, and with them came their gifts of beau¬ 
tiful and useful articles for distribution among the “guests” 
at the Masonic Home in Utica. There were presents for all, 
young and old. Handsome articles for the ladies; pipes and 
tobacco, pocketknives and substantial wearing apparel for 
the men; toys and candies of every description for the chil¬ 
dren. Everything had been selected by the ladies with an eye 
to practicability as well as beauty. Enthusiasm affected all, 
and eyes beamed brightly with the conscious pride of work 
well done. The brethren of the Lodge showed their appre¬ 
ciation by adding liberal contributions of money. Mrs. 
George W. Hackenberger was chairman of a large commit¬ 
tee of ladies who vied with each other in their laudable en¬ 
deavors and were highly complimented on their successful 
enterprise. 

About two o’clock the St. Cecile Orchestra of twenty-five 
pieces, under the direction of Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
struck up a lively air as the ladies entered and took seats. 
The entertaining programme contributed by the artists who 
generously volunteered included Lamberti, musician; Harry 
Thompson, “His Honor, the Mayor”; Kenyon and De Gar- 
ma, equilibrists; Lyonette Sisters, singers; John F. Clark, 
whose stories convulsed the ladies with laughter; Miss Annie 
Morris, comedienne; John Uestor, “the little man with the 
big voice”; Miss Beatrice Haines, singing and dancing; 
Wells and DeVeaux, eccentric musicians; McKenna and 
Marre, travesty. Refreshments were then served. Every¬ 
where words of praise were heard. It was a brilliant affair, 
viewed from any standpoint. There was a capacity attendance, 
which included many well known in Masonic social circles. 


310 


ONE THOUSAND COMMUNICATIONS 


[1907 


The splendid success of this function was due to Bro. 
Frank G. Howie, chairman General Committee; with Bros. 
Ernest F. Erdmann, Carl Williams, Gustav A. Myers, Mu¬ 
sic Committee; R. W. George E. Wallen, W. James H. Cur¬ 
tin, Bros. Harry T. Taylor and Joseph Pyle, Talent Com¬ 
mittee; R. W. George Loesch, W. George W. Hackenberger, 
Bros. Harry W. Entwistle and William A. Baird, Recep¬ 
tion Committee; W. William E. Tway, refreshments; Bro. 
John J. Dowers, ushers; Brother George D. Freestone, car¬ 
riages. The daily press commended in glowing terms the 
generosity shown in this timely enterprise. 

At the communication of December 17 the Worshipful 
Master had the pleasure of greeting W. Francis S. Ginther, 
with a delegation of the good brethren from the City of 
Brotherly Love. Upon the conclusion of the Third Degree, 
the work of the day, M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers explained 
the lessons of the historical legend in his own eloquent man¬ 
ner, holding the undivided attention of all. A feature of 
the afternoon was the presentation of a valuable gold watch, 
suitably inscribed, to Bro. Charles Miller Williams, His¬ 
torian of the Lodge. The beautiful gift was handed to the 
delighted recipient by W. George W. Hackenberger, with 
earnest words of appreciation and commendation, being a 
souvenir of the labors incidental to the compilation and 
printing of the Lodge records in a volume known as “1000 
Communications of St. Cecile Lodge.” During refreshment 
Bro. Charles Edwin Brandt gave several amusing recitations, 
R. W. George Loesch recited “ ’Osier Joe,” and there was a 
pleasing musical programme contributed by Bro. Ernest F. 
Erdmann, violin, accompanied by W. Harry Alton Russell, 
piano. 


CONCERT AT THE MONTEFIORE HOME 

There was a fine entertainment provided for the enjoy¬ 
ment of the guests resident at the Montefiore Home, on Tues¬ 
day, December 19, under the auspices of the Lodge. Bro. 


1907 ] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


311 


William D. Lang was theatrical director, while Bro. Ernest 
F. Erdmann directed the orchestra. Bro. “Jimmy” Bosen 
(Buster Brown) was the official announcer. 

PROGRAM FOR CONCERT 


March, “Old Faithful”.Abe Holzman 

Selection, “The Merry Widow”.Franz Lehar 

Potpourri, Southern Airs.Theo. M. Tobani 

Medley .J. Bodewalt Lampe 

Fantasia, “An American Abroad”.John W. Bratton 

PROGRAM FOR ENTERTAINMENT 

Mr. W. C. Weeden (Merry Widow Co.).Tenor 

Mr. C. W. Reynolds.Accompanist 

Miss Lucy Monroe.Imitations 

Mr. Chas. Alphin.Piano Solo 

Mr. Herbert Davis (Courtesy of Witmark & Son).Baritone 

Mr. Edgar Atkinson Ely (Dairy Maids Co.).Songs 

Miss Bennett .Dances 


From “Maxims” Scene in the season’s greatest hit, “The Merry Widow” 
Mr. Luis Gottschalk of St. Cecile Lodge will conduct specially in this 

number. 

ST. CECILE ORCHESTRA 

Musical Director, Ernest F. Erdmann; accompanist, Bert Helms. 

Violins: William Fenrich, Lester Hirsch, Edward Urbach, Philip 
Leve, Max Friedman, John Pfeiffer, Edward Lang, Anthony Pinto, Anton 
Kleinfelder, Hugo Miller, J. Edward Lay. Violas: John Magdalin, 
Louis Kramer. Cello: Alexander Jenrich. Basses: Isaac Wessel, 
Bruno Pfeiffer. Flutes: Arthur Berry, Gaetano Pinto. Clarinets: 
David Fink, Charles Freudenvoll. Horns: Carl Wolff, Willy Bley. 
Cornets: Louis Roeder, Frank Martin. Trombones: Fred Blodgett, 
Gustave A. Myers, Sig. Pollatschek. Euphonium: Luigi Ferrari. Drums: 
August Schmehl, August Helmecke. 

Of the eleven deaths recorded for the year 1907, that of 
W. William H. Donough was first. Brother Donough was 
a man of strong physique, and early in the nineties was quite 
active in the Masonic fraternity. His career is referred to 
elsewhere in this volume. He was at one time Grand Chap¬ 
lain of the Order of the Eastern Star, in addition to his ac- 














312 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1907 


tivities elsewhere in Masonry. In the fall of 1906 his foot 
became infected from a small injury, and he was finally 
compelled to go to St. John’s Hospital, in Brooklyn, for treat¬ 
ment. From time to time it became necessary to amputate 
several of his toes, and at last the entire limb had to be re¬ 
moved. From the effects of this operation Bro. Donough 
never rallied, and he finally passed away on the 9th of April. 
The Masonic services were held at the residence in Brooklyn, 
and were very largely attended by brethren of the fraternity 
and friends. Other deaths during the year included Bro. 
Theodore C. Cays, April 29; Bro. George O. Foster, May 31; 
Bro. Charles H. McPherson, August 1; Bro. John C. Swope, 
August 6; Bro. Louis A. Johnson, September 12; Bro. Albert 
W. Bailey, September 27; Bro. Samuel Weston, November 
1; Bro. Agostino P. Cerillo (Stengler), one time solo clari¬ 
netist in P. S. Gilmore’s famous band, December 2; Bro. 
William A. Beebe, December 17; W. C. Edward Low, 
who dropped dead while conversing with Bro. Harry W. 
Entwistle in front of the World Building, December 21. 

A resume of the year showed a net gain in membership of 
twenty-one. A feeling of enthusiasm not to be measured in 
prosaic statistics was clearly manifest over the “good” year 
in the Lodge. The annual meeting was held on the last day 
of December at which time the genial features of M. W. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers, the beloved Grand Secretary, were 
missed, owing to the death of his wife. Resolutions of 
sympathy were adopted, and a floral piece was sent. R. W. 
Elmer E. Silver, Grand Librarian, presided during the elec¬ 
tion, which was mostly of a perfunctory character. W. 
George W. Hackenberger was prevailed upon to continue 
for another year the excellent work begun under his ad¬ 
ministration, and the other stations and places were quickly 
filled. After hearing the annual reports and electing the 
officers, they were installed by Bro. Silver, assisted by R. W. 
George Loesch as Grand Marshal. The day was then happily 
closed with a jolly luncheon at Bro. “Billy” Ross’s restaurant. 


1908] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


313 


1908. 

At the first communication of January the brethren had 
the pleasure of listening to a stirring address on timely 
Masonic topics by Bro. Samuel Gompers, of Dawson Lodge, 
No. 16, Washington, D. C. As the honored president of the 
powerful American Federation of Labor, Bro. Gompers has 
for years been a conspicuous figure in the national life. 

When it became known that R. W. George W. Hacken- 
berger, the popular Master of the Lodge, was about to branch 
out in business for himself, resolutions of “good wishes” were 
adopted by the Lodge, and to give them a practical form a 
handsome floral horseshoe, bearing the legend, “Good Luck,” 
upon it, was sent by the brethren to grace the new enterprise. 

Some of the good ladies of the Eastern Star, having a 
desire to start a new chapter in Brooklyn, communicated 
with the Lodge as to whether there would be any objections 
to their naming the new lodge “Saint Cecile.” Being as¬ 
sured that the brethren felt complimented by their good 
taste in the selection of a name, the ladies proceeded with 
their plans, sending to the Lodge a grateful letter, which was 
duly made known to the brethren. 

Striking examples of the lengths to which Masons go in 
practicing the precepts of the fraternity were displayed dur¬ 
ing the holiday season. Bro. William B. Wilson, of St. 
Cecile Lodge, having passed away, a request was made that 
University Lodge, No. 610, conduct services in Philadelphia, 
in behalf of St. Cecile. A large gathering of Pennsylvania 
brethren answered an emergent call, and in spite of a 
drenching downpour of rain, Bro. Wilson was given full 
Masonic honors at the grave. A truly commendable example 
of duty well done. Two weeks previous, a similar service 


314 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1908 


was performed at Carlisle, Pa., over the remains of W. C* 
Edward Low, who suddenly succumbed early in December* 
At the request of St. Cecile Lodge the brethren of Cumber¬ 
land Star Lodge promptly responded, and took entire charge 
of the funeral of Bro. Low, who was a native of that city* 
Letters expressing the deep gratitude and appreciation of the 
St. Cecilians were promptly forwarded to the Pennsylvania 
brethren. 

Another instance, though of an entirely different nature, 
occurred in New Orleans. A Fellow Craft of St. Cecile 
Lodge, who was traveling with a theatrical company in the 
South, was very anxious to complete his membership, as he 
had been absent from New York for a long time. Linn Wood 
Lodge, No. 167, was requested to co-operate in the matter. 
As no other time was available for the purpose except Sun¬ 
day, the Grand Master was appealed to in the dilemma, and 
he gave formal permission to work the degree on that day. 
It is said that this was the first time authority was given in 
the State of Louisiana to work a Masonic degree on Sunday. 

Many other instances of fraternal courtesy by brethren in 
distant parts of the country could easily be cited did space 
permit. One other notable instance, in passing, was the 
courtesy exhibited by the brethren of Osiris Lodge, No. 26, 
Washington, D. C., who hastened to grant a request from St. 
Cecile. At no time has any but the most perfect courtesy 
been shown by all lodges in foreign jurisdictions, responding 
to calls for service. 

No metropolitan Masonic winter social season would be 
complete without the St. Cecile annual entertainment and 
ball, and feminine members of the families of brethren of 
the Lodge are always on the qui vive up to the moment of 
culmination of the affair, and it is a fact that no hall in the 
city is too large to accommodate the throngs who grace these 
delightful functions. 

According to arrangement, on the first Thursday evening 


1908] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


315 


in March the brethren and their friends gathered in the 
spacious halls and balconies of Lexington Opera House and 
soon that popular resort was filled to its utmost capacity. 
A splendid stage performance was followed by dancing, with 
merry parties gathering betimes in the dining halls. It was 
a typical St. Cecile crowd, jolly but decorous, bringing to¬ 
gether the families of the members of the Lodge in a sort 
of annual reunion. From the first number on the stage to 
the last dance, every detail was arranged and carried out in 
a manner that reflected distinction on the Lodge in the fine 
character of the programme. Bro. John J. Dowers was chair¬ 
man of the General Committee, and the stage was under 
direction of W. James H. Curtin. These were aided by 
numerous sub-committees, all working harmoniously, and a 
brilliant success was a foregone conclusion. The dawn was 
breaking when the last happy couples departed for their 
homes. 

Bro. “Tom” Nedham had been married just sixty years on 
the 9th of March, and the brethren got together on the even¬ 
ing of that day and proceeded to Bro. Nedham’s residence 
for purposes of congratulation. Sixty beautiful American 
Beauty roses were arranged tastefully in a handsome basket 
and presented to the venerable brother, together with the 
love of the Lodge brethren. The evening was afterwards 
spent in pleasant converse, with music and refreshments, 
and “Tom” was in high spirits. Just fourteen days 
later our dearly loved friend was cold in death. He 
was the last of the. original coterie of officers who 
started St. Cecile Lodge in 1865. Never lived a finer ex¬ 
ample of rugged honesty and simplicity of character. The 
Great Architect had blessed his industry and frugality, so 
that in the later years he had an abundance of this world’s 
goods, and he was enabled to live to the age of fourscore and 
ten, esteemed by all who knew him. The following letter, 
written by Bro. Nedham, quite a while before his demise, 


316 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1908 


was placed in the archives of the Lodge, to be read after his 
death. The lines are truly indicative of Bro. Nedham’s love 
for St. Cecil© Lodge: 

23 West 82d Street, New York. 

Dear Brethren : 

When you receive this the hand that is now writing it will be cold in 
death, and I have left directions that the only service I desire to have 
held over my remains shall be that of the Masonic Order. I hope the 
brethren of St. Cecile will come, at least a goodly number of them, to 
take a last look at their old associate now, on the last occasion of meeting 
him forever. M. W. Brother Edward M. L. Ehlers long ago promised me 
to read the ritual as set forth for that purpose. You will please there¬ 
fore notify him that the time to do so has at length arrived, and I doubt 
not he will duly respond to such notice. 

To the dear brethren of my beloved Lodge I leave my fraternal greet¬ 
ing, with the hope that it will continue to prosper and be the beneficent 
dispenser of the love and charity which has for so long been characteristic 
of it. And so, dear friends, I bid you all a loving adieu. 

Thomas S. Nedham. 

It is needless to say Bro. Nedham’s wishes were carried 
out to the letter, and the funeral ceremonies were all that he 
could have desired. During the services there was instru¬ 
mental music written by Bro. Nedham expressly for this last 
sad ceremony, one of the numbers being “Sing Me to Sleep.” 

Those who attended Lodge meetings were constantly re¬ 
minded of the fact that “operative masons” were about, and 
the noise of the mallet and chisel became very familiar sounds 
in the Lodge room. This was so much the case that on several 
occasions it was found necessary to remove to quieter quar¬ 
ters in other parts of the Temple. The noise was due to the 
work on the new Masonic Hall adjoining, now in course of 
construction. 

“St. Patrick’s Day” was celebrated in the Lodge with 
Third Degree, and special Irish music, generously provided 
by Bros. Ernest F. Erdmann, Gustav A. Myers, and other 
“hibemians,” W. Harry Alton Russell playing the accompani¬ 
ments. The gayety of the refreshment hour was somewhat 
softened by the Worshipful Master’s announcement that dur¬ 
ing the preceding week he had attended the funeral of W. 


1908] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


317 


Francis S. Ginther, of University Lodge (honorary member 
of St. Cecile), in Philadelphia. A committee was this day 
appointed by the Master to dispose of several musical instru¬ 
ments in aid of the widow of a deceased Master of the 
Lodge. Bros. Robert Iverson, Henry Hess, August Zeiss, 
Gustav A. Myers and Ernest F. Erdmann were named to 
perform this service. 

Bro. Darius Minshull received expressions of sympathy 
from the Lodge on the death of his wife, followed a week 
later by that of his infant daughter. Bro. Samuel Friedman 
also had the sympathy of the brethren on the death of his 
mother. The Lodge was kept busy at this time with appli¬ 
cants for financial relief, mostly caused by illness among the 
brethren. 

A project for arranging a monster picnic of all the “mat¬ 
inee” bodies was frowned upon by the committee appointed to 
consider the scheme, and the whole matter was promptly 
dropped. Bro. Imro Fox was present and mystified the 
brethren with sleight of hand performances in the Lodge 
room. During April there was plenty of music, vocal and 
instrumental, but mostly the latter, to delight the brethren. 
The average attendance was unusually large. On one occa¬ 
sion Bro. George H. Thomas entertained the Lodge with a 
brief lecture on “Eyescopitis.” As usual, the St. Cecile 
orchestra entertained the Grand Lodge this year with a fine 
concert during its annual session. Bro. Charles Miller 
Williams, who was leaving for a lengthy tour of Alaska, was 
given a jolly dinner by the Lodge officers and many of the 
bretheren, who gave him a good sendoff. 

It was learned with sincere regret that our good brother, 
R. W. August Eickleberg, had lost his estimable wife by 
death. Resolutions of sympathy were thereupon ordered 
sent. Several of the brethren also attended the service, and 
the Lodge sent a beautiful wreath of flowers. About this 
time the brethren were shocked at tidings of the sudden 
death of Bro. Eugene 0. Jepson, who dropped dead from 


318 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1908 


the excitement attendant upon the burning of the theatre 
in which he was playing in Buffalo, IB Y. He was a man 
of the most lovable character and his demise was lamented 
by a host of friends. A memorial service, held by the Lodge, 
brought out a very large attendance. During the ceremonies 
a magnificent eulogy on our departed brother was delivered 
by Mr. F. F. Mackey, after which the Masonic funeral 
service was read. 

Strange to relate, the summer months found no diminu¬ 
tion in the appeals for financial assistance. From every part 
of the United States and Canada, from the Pacific to At¬ 
lantic, distress was reported. FTor were these calls confined 
to worthy brethren of the Lodge; many also came from out¬ 
side sources. To each and all of these the Lodge gave respect¬ 
ful hearing, granting such assistance as possible, and also 
contributing to public charities, such as free ice funds, ex¬ 
cursions to the seashore for crippled children and to other 
eleemosynary enterprises of a similar character. 

The death of Most Worshipful John Stewart came as a 
great shock to his friends. The end came with startling sud¬ 
denness, from an affection of the heart. While serving as 
Grand Master, Bro. Stewart honored St. Cecile Lodge with 
a Grand Lodge appointment, the first in thirty years. Bro. 
Stewart was so well known that his death caused profound 
sorrow throughout the fraternity. He was made an honorary 
member of St. Cecile Lodge in 1902, and was exceedingly 
popular with the brethren. 

For the first time in years it happened at a communica¬ 
tion during the summer that there was no work because of 
the non-appearance of the candidates. Several had been 
notified, but the exigencies of their professional labors had 
interfered with their attendance. The brethren took ad¬ 
vantage of the unusual circumstance to extend the refresh¬ 
ment hour, and with song and story the time was very pleas¬ 
antly spent. This day the genial Senior Deacon, Bro. C. 





VO 




MEET 
AND FI 
AFTERNOON 
MONTH AT 1.30 


TUSCAN ROOM 
MASONIC TEMPLE. N.Y. 


STITUTED JUNE 28.1865. 





























































































































1908] 


OF ST. GEGILE LODGE. 


319 


Frank Shepard, appeared with an unusually expansive smile, 
which the brethren soon learned was caused by Bro. Shep¬ 
ard’s recent marriage. 

R. W. John E. Virden, District Deputy of the Seventh, 
made his official visit to the Lodge at the third communica¬ 
tion in September, and was greeted with a large audience, 
which filled the Commandery Room. The Square Club 
turned out in force as escort to the distinguished representa¬ 
tive of the Grand Master. Bro. Virden’s address was lis¬ 
tened to with deep interest by all, being both practical and 
interesting. There was an orchestra of twenty-seven instru¬ 
ments, conducted by Bro. Ernest E. Erdmann. It is to be 
regretted that no record of the names of these generous musi¬ 
cians is obtainable in order that they might be preserved in 
this volume. The occasion gave opportunity for a pleasant 
surprise to our good brother “Ernie,” who was called before 
the altar and presented with a handsome baton, suitably in¬ 
scribed, as a slight testimonial of the love of the brethren. 
At any time, for any worthy purpose, Bro. Erdmann has 
ever been ready to furnish for the good cause of Masonry 
almost any instrument or any number of them, from a bass 
fiddle to a violin, from a soloist to a complete band or orches¬ 
tra. The brethren, therefore, viewed this presentation with 
manifestations of approbation, feeling that it was but a very 
slight token for unusually proficient and generous service. 
Bro. Erdmann modestly attributed the success of the various 
musical programmes given to the generosity of the musicians 
themselves who are always available. Then R. W. George 
Loesch was called to the altar, and the Grand Secretary, on 
behalf of Bro. Loesch’s admirers in the Lodge, presented him 
with a gold Masonic charm to be worn on his watch chain. 
This souvenir was in the form of a Past Master’s jewel, and 
pleased the blushing recipient very much. W. Charles H. 
Govan, Bros. George B. Alexander, Charles H. Falke, 
William Pruette, Percival Moore and others entertained 


320 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1908 


the brethren with song and story. This communication de¬ 
serves remembrance for its many pleasant features. 

Consideration of the ladies’ annual matinee took up some 
time for discussion early in October. The question of pur¬ 
chasing some plots in the Kensico Cemetery, for Lodge use, 
also came in for a share of attention, and a committee 
was finally appointed to consider the proposition. Bro. 
Charles Miller Williams, Lodge Historian, was this day 
welcomed home after six months spent in the wilds of Alaska, 
and gave an interesting account of Masonry in that far dis¬ 
tant land, as he found it in and about the Arctic Circle. 
During the “daylight” period, when the sun shines all the 
time, by night as well as by day (about five months in the 
year), all lodges are necessarily “daylight” lodges. 

Among those reported as suffering and ill were Bro. 
R. A. Roberts, left leg broken, right elbow and several fingers 
broken in an automobile accident; Bro. Charles Peppel, 
ill; Bro. James W. Walker, arm broken, and several others 
suffering from a variety of complaints. 

GREAT CHRISTMAS OFFERING BY THE EADIES 

On the second Thursday of December, in accordance with 
prearranged plans, the ladies took possession of the Com- 
mandery Room, and from every available nook and cranny 
there was displayed beautiful specimens of feminine handi¬ 
work, mostly of a practical and useful character, all to be 
presented as Christmas offerings to the guests of the Masonic 
Home in Utica. A genuine spirit of generous Yuletide 
remembrance pervaded the atmosphere. Mrs. George W. 
Hackenberger was as usual chairman, assisted by a large 
committee of ladies. The attendance was so large that sev¬ 
eral hundred ladies were compelled to return home, un¬ 
able to reach the upper floors owing to the crush. Be¬ 
holders said it was wonderful. The ladies were enter¬ 
tained with a splendid show given by the Lodge. Dur- 


1908 ] 


OF ST. GEGILE LODGE. 


321 


ing intermission a hundred amateur waiters, selected from 
among the handsome brethren, endeavored to serve the fair 
visitors with luncheon in the main hall. These brethren 
soon realized that their work had been cut out for them, 
and loudly called for reinforcements, until finally all the 
men about the place were busy. Those ladies who came early 
and got into the building said they had had “the time of 
their lives.” 

This concluded the more important work of the year, with 
the exception of the annual meeting, which was held on the 
third Tuesday of December. At that time the annual re¬ 
ports were read by the various officers, and each showed 
a good share of prosperity. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was 
again seen in his accustomed place as the representative of 
the Grand Master to conduct the election and install the new 
officers. Bro. Harry W. Entwistle was elected as Worship¬ 
ful Master, together with Bro. John J. Dowers, Senior 
Warden; Bro. C. Frank Shepard, Junior Warden. The 
newly installed Master announced his appointments, and 
all were installed except the Senior Steward, unavoidably 
absent. The brethren afterward adjourned to Bro. Ross’s 
restaurant nearby, where a substantial repast awaited them. 

1909. 

W. Harry W. Entwistle (Compositor)—Raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, March 17, 1903. Appointed Senior 
Master of Ceremonies, 1904; elected Junior Warden, 1906; 
Senior Warden, 1907-8; Master, 1909; Trustee, 1910-11- 
12-16. 

The Worshipful Master of this year was born in Canter¬ 
bury, England, in 1868. In early manhood Bro. Entwistle 
displayed considerable talent as a singer, and has been a 
member of several musical organizations in this country. 
Of late years, however, he has mostly confined his natural 


322 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


love of music to listening to others. As a presiding officer 
Bro. Entwistle was noted for fine ritualistic work according 
to the official standards. As compositor on various news¬ 
papers Bro. Entwistle is favorably known in Boston and 
New York, and is popular wherever he goes. 

As the newly elected officers had all served apprentice¬ 
ships in Lodge work, the business of the Lodge moved with 
precision. As usual, the early winter found many of the 
brethren ill, axfd before the end of the first month of the 
year the Worshipful Master found plenty to occupy his time 
in visiting the sick. During the month there were two 
deaths. Emergent calls brought out the brethren to attend 
these funerals. A pathetic parting took place during this 
time, when a worn brother of the Lodge, unable to sup¬ 
port himself and wife, was obliged to seek refuge in the 
Utica Home, while his helpmeet, afflicted with an incurable 
malady, was admitted to the Home for Incurables in this* 
city. The couple thus separated by misfortune were never 
to meet again, as death carried away the wife before the 
husband, hastily summoned, could reach her side. 

Committees were busy early in the year with the multi¬ 
fold preparations necessary to the success of the St. Cecile 
annual entertainment and hall, which was held this year at 
the Lexington Avenue Opera House on Thursday evening, 
March 4. The fact that a fierce snowstorm prevailed during 
the day did not discourage the St. Cecilians, for the spacious 
halls were well filled long before the curtain rose on the 
first number presented by the entertainers on the stage. 
It was an audience to inspire the artists to do their best, 
and every number was generously applauded. Dancing 
followed the stage performance, the grand march being led 
by W. Harry W. Entwistle, with his charming wife by his 
side; others in the festivities included practically every¬ 
body of Masonic prominence. R. W. George E. Wallen 
was chairman of the General Committee, assisted by W. 


1909] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


323 


William E. Tway as chairman of Talent, Bro. Ernest F. 
Erdmann chairman of Music, and Bro. Phil S. Friedenberg 
as floor director. 

ACTIVE HONORARY MEMBERSHIP ADOPTED 

Due notice having been sent out previously, R. W. George 
Loesch moved the adoption of the following amendment to 
the by-laws, and after considerable discussion by the breth¬ 
ren at a summoned meeting the same was adopted and 
ordered printed in the laws of the Lodge: 

“After a member of this Lodge shall have been in good standing for thirty 
consecutive years he shall be eligible to ‘Active Honorary Membership.’ The 
proposition for such membership must be made by a member in regular 
standing and must be referred to a committee consisting of five members 
of the Lodge, whose duty it shall be to investigate the merits of the propo¬ 
sition. The full particulars of the proposition, together with the names 
of the investigating committee, must be printed in at least one regular 
lodge notice before it can be acted upon. Upon a majority report of the 
said committee the proposition shall be voted upon by the members present 
by a show of hands, and it shall require at least a two-thirds vote in favor 
of the proposition in order to declare the brother elected to said ‘Active 
Honorary Membership.’ The ‘Active Honorary Members’ shall be exempt 
from the payment of dues, but shall be entitled to all the rights and 
privileges of the regular members and also subject to all penalties. The 
name or names of the ‘Active Honorary Members’ shall be printed in the 
lodge roster each year, following the list of ‘Honorary Members.’ ” 

This was regarded as a fitting testimonial to any brother 
who for thirty years continuously has kept himself in touch 
with the affairs of the Lodge, whether holding office or not. 

The first communication in March was made exceedingly 
enjoyable by reason of the unexpected visitation of the 
District Deputy of the Seventh, B. W. John E. Virden, who 
addressed the brethren on the subject of a memorial window 
for the Utica Home. On motion $75 was donated for that 
purpose, and this beautiful window may be seen by visitors 
passing through the well-appointed library in that admirable 
institution. Upon the conclusion of the District Deputy’s 
remarks, W. George W. Hackenberger was called before the 


324 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


altar and presented with a valuable gold watch, fob and 
charm, as an expression of the appreciation of the brethren 
for his invaluable services to the Lodge during two years 
as Worshipful Master. The presentation was made by 
E. W. George Loesch, on behalf of the Lodge, and Bro. 
Hackenberger received an ovation which lasted for some 
minutes. It was a grand tribute to a well beloved brother. 
A fine musical programme rendered by St. Cecile’s own 
orchestra added much to the afternoon’s pleasure. There 
were several humorous recitations contributed by some of 
the theatrical brethren. The attendance filled the Tuscan 
Koom to its capacity. 

One of the distinguished visitors early in the year was 
E. W. John Love joy, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge 
of Quebec, who gave a most interesting description of St. 
Cecile Lodge as he found it more than forty years before. 

The first signs of spring brought with changing tempera¬ 
tures many cases of illness among the brethren. W. George 
W. Hackenberger was laid up with the grip; Bros. Archie 
E. Kerr, Edgar E. Laverty and William S. Eidgeley were 
also reported as being ill. The wife of Bro. Walter L. 
Knyvett (Vernon, the ventriloquist) was reported as being 
seriously injured by a leopard in the Zoo at Portland, 
Oregon. The animal reached through the bars of his cage 
and viciously clawed Mrs. Vernon, and was only beaten off 
with difficulty. The death of Bro. William J. Castle, 
formerly a member of St. Cecile Lodge, was reported from 
Chicago, April 1. Bro. Castle was a noted operatic tenor, 
who frequently sang in the Lodge many years ago. Bro. 
Harry F. Ertheiler was buried with Masonic funeral honors, 
April 9, in the presence of the Worshipful Master and a 
large gathering of the brethren. 

Limits were granted to Brother Edmund L. Hatfield to 
join a Lodge in Chicago, Ill., and to Bro. Edward Quinn, 
one of the founders of a matinee lodge in Newark, N. J., 


1909] 


OF ST. GEO ILF LODGE. 


325 


to be named St. Cecile. The Grand Lodge dues this 
year amounted to $672.75, which was significant of the 
Lodge’s great growth. The attendance at Lodge meetings 
during the winter was very satisfactory, and the communi¬ 
cations were generally noted for interest. Some fine music 
was contributed by Bro. Sol Pfeiffer, ’cello solos, after which 
there was a splendid classical concert by Bros. Ernest F. 
Erdmann and Hugo Mueller, violins; Bro. Sol Pfeiffer, 
’cello; Bro. Max Friedman, viola; W. Harry Alton Russell, 
piano. 

Fortunate indeed is that Lodge whose members carry 
with them in their travels afar thoughts of home. St. Cecile 
Lodge owes in no small measure its popularity to this very 
fact. Many of the theatrical brethren, as they journey, are 
wont to write cheering messages to be read to the Lodge, 
sending a word of greeting to the loved ones “at home.” As 
indicative of that wholesome interest read the following: 

NATHANIEL D. MANN, 

Chicago, Mar. 2nd, 1909. 

To the Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, 
F. & A. M. 

Brethren : 

Upon this the twentieth anniversary of my having been raised in St. 
Cecile Lodge, I deem it an honor and privilege to extend to all the 
Brethren my sincerest and warmest greeting of fellowship. From the 
day that I became a Master Mason I have had a grateful heart and a 
warm spot for my “Mother.” While it is true that of late years I have 
been unable to be with you in the flesh, yet in the spirit I have been with 
you alway. 

1 have been receiving the notifications from our beloved Secretary, who 
in a measure has apprised me of all that has taken place within the con¬ 
fines of the Temple. 

It is with great gratification and joy that I have been watching (even 
though from a distance) the growth and good fellowship which has been 
existing in St. Cecile Lodge since my advent, and I desire to say I deem 
it a joy and privilege to be counted as one of its members, even though 
I may not see you as often as my heart desires. 

With brotherly love, and again extending the hand of fellowship, I am, 

Always yours, 

Nathaniel D. Mann. 


326 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


[Brother Mann was called from labor to rest in April, 
1915, while traveling in California. Details of the service 
will be found under that year.] 

Early in March the subject of giving a memorial service 
in remembrance of the brethren who had recently died was 
brought up for discussion, and as a result R. W. George 
Loesch was appointed chairman of a committee to arrange 
the details. The service, which was held in the Commandery 
Boom on the afternoon of the fourth Tuesday in April, at¬ 
tracted an audience of ladies and gentlemen which filled 
the hall to its limit, and was impressively performed 
throughout. In the center of the hall there was a large 
bier, which from time to time was decorated with the several 
floral offerings. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers delivered the 
oration, and there was superior vocal and instrumental music 
befitting the beautiful ceremony. 

Tuscan Boom was filled with brethren and visitors on 
the third Tuesday in May, all gathering to witness and take 
part in the work of the Third degree. The first portion of 
the work was taken up at twelve o’clock noon, thus giv¬ 
ing more time for the special features of the day later on. 
Five Fellowcrafts were duly raised to the sublime degree 
of Master Mason, after which the lessons of the historical 
legend were beautifully interpreted by B. W. William E. 
Wilkinson, P.D.D., 7th District. There was an orchestra 
of sixteen pieces, conducted by Bro. Ernest E. Erdmann, 
and as an added feature Bro. S. Einkelstein played cornet 
solos. An enthusiastic vote of thanks was tendered to 
Brother Erdmann and the generous brethren who gave so 
freely of their time and talents for the entertainment of 
the Lodge members. Bro. Dan Dody was the recipient of 
numerous congratulations on the arrival of a lusty young 
son at his home, and showed his happiness by giving a con¬ 
cert a la siffleur. 

As usual, the Grand Lodge appointments of the Grand 
Master were looked forward to with considerable interest, 


1909 ] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


327 


as every one seems to feel that the official lightning is liable 
to strike almost anywhere, and, who knows—“I may be 
appointed.’ 7 However, this time the Grand Master did 
select St. Cecile Lodge for grand honors, and the brethren 
were greatly pleased to learn that R. W. George Loesch had 
been named as the District Deputy of the Seventh District. 
The appointment could he taken as nothing more or less than 
a very high personal compliment. By motion, duly carried, 
the Trustees were ordered to clothe Bro. Loesch in a manner 
befitting his exalted station. At the first communication of 
July the formal presentation took place in the Commandery 
Room. Every available space was occupied, and many were 
in the corridors outside, unable to gain admission. The 
Lodge notices contained a handsome picture of the District 
Deputy, and spoke of his long and faithful service. Al¬ 
though the Third degree was on the trestle board, the occa¬ 
sion was really an ovation for Brother Loesch. W. George 
W. Hackenberger formally presented the apron, and R. W. 
Richard Shepard, Jr., P.D.D. of the Seventh District, with 
eloquent words presented the jewel of office, solid gold, orna¬ 
mented with a large diamond, and properly inscribed. Bro. 
Loesch was deeply moved by these evidences of the love of 
the brethren, and voiced his assurances that his best efforts 
would ever be given to the craft in the future, as they had 
been in the past. Brother Ernest E. Erdmann led a hand 
of twenty pieces, which provided most delightful music. 
There were also solos by Bros. Sol Finkelstein and Carl 
Wolf. Bro. Jefferson De Angelis sang several amusing songs, 
and Bro. Will J. Cooke sang ballads. After the Lodge closed 
the brethren adjourned to a nearby restaurant and made 
merry. 

FINE ENTERTAINMENT AT HOME FOR INCURABLES 

Agreeable to promise, the Lodge gave an entertainment 
at the Home for Incurables on Friday, July 23. There 
was a very appreciative audience. Contributed was a pro- 


328 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


gramme of rare excellence, and seldom have artists of the 
stage felt better repaid than were the contributors on this 
occasion. At times many eyes were moist with tears of 
pleasure. 


PROGRAMME. 


St. Cecile Orchestra .Overture 

Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, conductor. 

Bro. Thomas A. Wise, “Gentleman from Mississippi”.Recitations 

Mrs. William E. Annis. A Musical Treat 

Assisted by Reed and St. John. 

Bro. Jefferson De Angelis.. .Songs and Dances 

Miss Flora Zabelle. Songs 

Earl Brennan .Monologue 

George Evans’ “Honey Boy Minstrels”.Vocal Selections 

Bro. Raymond Hitchcock. In Comicalities 

Rorert Emmett Lennon, “Yankee Prince Co.”.Tenor Solos 

Barry Brothers, “Cohan & Harris Minstrels”.Artistic Dancers 

Clarence Marks, “Cohan & Harris Minstrels”.Bass Solos 

Vaughan Comfort, “Cohan & Harris Minstrels”.Tenor Solos 

Accompanist, Mr. Brady. 


The happiness depicted in the faces of the invalids was 
sufficient expression of appreciation for the generous ones 
who came to bring the sunlight of joy into the hopeless 
existence of these whose lives are one long exhibition of pa¬ 
tience. The Committee in charge of the entertainment in¬ 
cluded W. Harry W. Entwistle, W. George W. Hacken- 
berger, W. George E. Wallen, Bros. Raymond Hitchcock, 
Ernest E. Erdmann, James Rosen, John Magdalin. Bro. 
William D. Lang was the efficient stage manager. 

Bro. Charles J. Greene died of pneumonia on June 9, 
and services were held by the Lodge at the undertaking par¬ 
lors of Bro. James B. Smith; Bro. “Billy” M. Young, who 
fought in the navy during the Civil War and who was in¬ 
itiated April 7, 1874, was well known to all the members of 
the Lodge as “the man with the blue woollen shirt,” died 
suddenly June 11. His funeral was held in the Grand Lodge 
Room, Masonic Hall, and was very largely attended. About 


















WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1909. 









































































1909 ] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


329 


this time it was reported that Bro. Frank B. Carr was lying 
ill in a hospital in Chicago, and W. James H. Curtin took a 
flying trip out to the city by the lake in order to satisfy him¬ 
self that Bro. Carr received proper attention. Bro. Otto W. 
Stigler, an Entered Apprentice of the Lodge, died August 1, 
and the estimable wife of Bro. James B. Smith passed away 
on August 12. Mrs. Emil Becker died September 4th, and 
was buried in Kensico Cemetery. In July Bro. Edward J. 
Drugan was taken to Bellevue Hospital suffering from a 
broken leg, and was later removed to his home. 

The Lodge was visited in the late summer by B. W. George 
Loesch, District Deputy, who recommended that every 
brother of the craft in the State be taxed a small sum to raise 
funds for the enlargement of the chapel at the IJtica Home. 
On motion the Lodge contributed $100 for that commendable 
purpose. Among the old-timers present and assisting in the 
work was the venerable brother, W. David H. Agan, Master 
in 1886. Bro. Charles Miller Williams, Historian, delivered 
the lecture in the Fellowcraft degree, and the brethren were 
entertained with beautiful songs and ballads by Bro. Thomas 
Boyd McQueen and William Fullerton. Bro. Abel S. Hol¬ 
comb was appointed Junior Master of Ceremonies, to fill a 
vacancy. 

A visitation by officers and men from the British battle¬ 
ships Inflexible and Drake , then in the upper harbor, made 
the first Tuesday in October a notable day. Bro. John H. 
Byley, formerly a popular member of the Lodge, now a resi¬ 
dent of England, was also welcomed by the Master, and ex¬ 
pressed his pleasure at meeting again with his old friends. 
Bro. Arthur Cunningham sang magnificently for the enter¬ 
tainment of the brethren, and was obliged to repeat several 
times. Bro. Forrest gave several pleasing songs also, as did 
Bro. “Billy” Fullerton. The historical legend was explained 
in a forceful and interesting manner by B. W. Percy W. 
Howard, P.D.D., 5th District. Instrumental music was pro¬ 
vided by Bros. Ernest F. Erdmann, violin; Bert Helms, 


330 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


piano; Sol Pfeiffer, ’cello; and Bro. Henry Van Praag, 
piano. It could not be said that there was at this season 
any lack of the “melody of delightful sensations.” 

The 1063d communication, held on November 30, 1909> 
was one of the historic events in the life of the Lodge. After 
the formal opening of the Lodge, and the disposal of the 
routine business, the Worshipful Master announced that the 
time had come to take leave of the Tuscan Boom, where the 
Lodge had been meeting continuously since 1885, and proceed 
to the Benaissance Boom, in the new building adjoining. 
There were short addresses by Bro. Larry O’Beilly, first 
initiate under the charter in 1865; by Bro. Isaac Frieden- 
berg, by Bro. Charles Miller Williams, Historian, who gave 
a brief summary of the work performed in the Tuscan Boom; 
by Bro. John G. Pfeiffer, and by several other brothers. 
After the speeches a wide circle was formed about the altar, 
and clasping hands the brethren solemnly sang “Auld Lang 
Syne,” after which a procession was formed and, headed by 
the band playing a lively march, the brethren wended their 
way into the new room. The Band:— 


Bro. ERNEST F. ERDMANN, 

conductor. 

“ NICOLA DEL NEGRO, 

“ WILLIAM KEATING 
“ A. WEEDLE, 

“ V. MIANO, cornets. 

“ CHAS. FREUDENVOHL, 

“ FRANK STRETZ, clarinets. 

“ LUIGI FERRARI, Euphonium. 
“ ARTHUR BERRY, 

“ ANTHONY PINTO, Piccolos 


Bro. CARL G. WOLFF, 

“ JOHN MAGDALIN, horns. 

“ A. GRISWOLD, tuba. 

“ GUSTAV A. MYERS, 

“ ALEXANDER FINNIE, 

“ GEORGE POOLEY, 

“ T. PEARCE, trombone. 

“ JACOB WOLF, bass. 

“ AUGUST HELMECKE, 

drums. 


In spite of the stirring music, there were wet eyes and the 
brethren were far from feeling cheerful, even amid the ar¬ 
tistic beauties of the newer and more lavishly appointed sur¬ 
roundings of the Benaissance Boom. 

At the first communication in December framed certifi¬ 
cates were presented to the several veterans who had rounded 


1909 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


331 


out the full thirty years or more of continuous membership 
in the Lodge. The presentation was made by E. W. George 
Loesch, District Deputy of the Seventh, in words expressive 
of the love and respect in which the happy recipients were 
held by the brethren of the Lodge. Those who were present 
and received their certificates are as follows, with number 
on the roll: 

52— Alexander Davis .Raised January 29, 1867 

58— John G. Pfeiffer, formerly Senior Warden.. Raised March 5, 1867 

80—W. Allan Latham, Master in 1885.Raised June 30, 1868 

168— Joseph L. Henning, Treasurer 1890-1895.Raised January 16,1877 
178—W. Charles H. Govan, Master in 1888.Raised May 21, 1878 

Certificates had also been prepared for Bro. Christian 
Plate (No. 42), now residing in Germany, who signed the 
By-Laws December 4, 1866; Bro. Eeuben Withers (No. 
167), signed January 16, 1877, but who was too feeble to 
leave his home in the country; and for Bro. William M. 
Young (No. 141), whose death, June 11th, occurred before 
the certificates were ready for presentation. Bro. Young was 
raised in St. Cecile Lodge April 7, 1874. Other interesting 
features of this same communication included the presenta¬ 
tion to Bro. Prank Stewart Eix, of Newburgh Lodge, No. 
309, of a certificate of honorary membership, he having been 
elected to that distinction some time previously. W. William 
E. Tway handed Bro. Eix the framed certificate with many 
complimentary allusions to Bro. Eix’s long service in the 
fraternity and of the universal esteem in which he was held 
by all who knew him. In accepting the honor conferred, 
Bro. Eix said he felt very much flattered, and at the con¬ 
clusion of his remarks handed in his application for full 
membership in St. Cecile Lodge by affiliation, all of which 
was greeted with hearty applause by the brethren. Another 
feature of the day was the presence of no less than eleven 
Past Masters of the Lodge, who temporarily occupied the 
various stations and conferred the Master Mason degree in 





332 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


a manner which elicited words of warmest praise from all. 
The veteran, W. John E. Morse, was present and took an 
active part in the degree work. The stations and places were 
filled as follows: 


W. George W. Hackenberger 

R. W. George E. Wallen- 

W. William E. Tway. 

W. Charles H. Govan. 

W. James H. Curtin. 

W. Harry A. Greene. 

R. W. George Loesch. 

W. Allan Latham. 

W. John E. Morse. 

Bro. James B. Smith. 

Bro. George Kellington. 


.Worshipful Master 

.Senior Warden 

.Junior Warden 

.Senior Deacon 

.Junior Deacon 

. Senior Master Ceremonies 
Junior Master Ceremonies 

.Senior Steward 

.Junior Steward 

.Chaplain 

.Marshal 


Past Masters Merritt W. Larabee and George Johnston 
were also present, and assisted in the work. This may well 
be regarded as one of the most successful roundups of “the 
old guard” ever held by the Lodge. Many never took an 
active part in another, having answered the summons which 
sooner or later calls each of us from labor to rest. The 
Lodge was edified by a splendid discourse delivered by R. W. 
John Lloyd Thomas, Commander-in-Chief of the Scottish 
Rite. Among the notable visitors welcomed was W. William 
Williams, of Robert Burns Lodge, England. 

Ladies’ Day was set down for the third Thursday in De¬ 
cember, and as usual the attendance was measured only by 
the capacity of the Grand Lodge Room. The entertainment 
was one of exceptional excellence, and included some of the 
leading singers of the city. Among the artists who con¬ 
tributed to the enjoyment of the occasion were Bro. Carl E. 
Dufft, baritone; Mr. John M. Spargur, violinist; Miss Fan¬ 
nie Hirsch, soprano; Mrs. Mildred Hirschberg, contralto; 
Bro. William Fullerton, tenor; and Mr. Horace Britt, solo 
’cellist of the Victor Herbert orchestra. W. Harry Alton 
Russell contributed a fine organ number, and Mr. J. Ber¬ 
tram Eox presided at the piano. This entertainment was 













1909 ] 


OF ST. GEGILE LODGE. 


333 


arranged by Bros. Joseph Greenbaum, Bobert W. Iverson, 
and Phil Friedenberg. 

Prosperity in the Lodge may be best illustrated perhaps 
not so much by numbers gained, as rather by the superior 
quality of the material added. Some of the additions of 
recent years follow: 

ACQUISITIONS FROM THE MUSICAL WORLD 

True to its original character as a musical lodge, the mem¬ 
bership is constantly augmented from the ranks of the mu¬ 
sicians who delight the lovers of the art with the works of 
the world’s greatest masters. Among the musicians who have 
in recent years become brothers among us may be mentioned: 
Louis Kramer, Adolph Finkelstein, Leon I. Strashun, Otto 
Keller, Philip K. Phillips, James E. Lay, Antonio Bellucci, 
George Lucas, Emanuel Malach, William Y. Montgomery, 
Jacob Eisenkramer, George H. Maurer, Israel Mendelssohn, 
John McGhie, Max Schiller, Jacob Wolf, Hans W. Meyer, 
John Kroupa, Llarry Armer, Lion Yander Heim, Barnet 
Malach, Franz Listemann, Alfred Fasano, Charles W. Wal¬ 
ker, Frank Wolf, Kinsel Pearce, Burdette Sullivan, Percy 
Wenrich, Yictor Baravalle, Oscar Badin, Jacomo A. Lau- 
letta, John L. Knowles, Borneo Bonensigni, David B. Oliver, 
Ludovico Barbieri, Stephen Masaro, Frank McGurgan, 
Henry Halpern, Marcel Tabetau, Harry Bosenberg, Max 
Pfeiffer, Louis Bossi, Ferdinand Fontenella, Adrian Schu¬ 
bert, Joseph B. Shadduck, Clarence West, Leonidas Yerona, 
Umberto Buldrini, Leonard F. Miller, Louis Beinhardt, 
Henry Kalman Bush, Giuseppe Danza, Oreste Genovese, 
Louis Alberghini, William F. Caesar, August C. Ilelleberg, 
Adolph Weiss, Frederick Balzer, Max Freisinger, Ernest 
Hussar, Charles I. Purisch, William Schulz, John Bocchetti, 
Stanislau K. Wroblewski, Antonio Colla, Oskar J. Lange, 
John H. Helleberg, Arthur J. Neumann, and others. Many 
of these are directors of orchestras in the largest theatres, in- 


334 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1909 


eluding the grand opera. Some will be recognized as solo 
players in the leading musical organizations, while not a 
few are authors of operas and popular compositions. 

Among the well known singers may be found Bros. George 
M. Vail, George A. Parr, Philip Kaufmann, William N. 
Cripps, David Stamper, Percy Wenrich, Alvah Edgar 
Nichols, Arthur Edgar Behim, Orin Balph Dudley, Harry 
Eisk Macdonough, Craufurd Kent, Carl Friedberg, George 
Stone, Arthur H. Ashley, Harry K. Kogers, Samuel H. 
Ash, and Melville Stewart. 

The annual meeting was held on the third Tuesday of 
December, which fell on the 21st inst., and was like many 
similar occasions of former years given over to the reading 
of various reports, statistical and financial, after which the 
officers were elected for the ensuing term. Bro. John J. 
Dowers was chosen as Worshipful Master, with Bro. C. 
Frank Shepard as Senior Warden, and Bro. Charles Miller 
Williams, Junior Warden. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers 
presided during the election, and afterward installed the new 
officers. After closing the Lodge the brethren assembled 
around the festive board at Bro. “Billy” Ross’s restaurant 
and spent a pleasant hour in animated conversation, with an 
occasional song thrown in for good measure. 


1910] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


335 


ENTERING UPON THE 
SECOND DECADE. 


“The heights by great men reached and kept 
Were not attained by sudden flight; 

But they, while their companions slept, 

Were toiling upward in the night.” 


1910. 

R. W. John Jay Dowers (Printer)—Raised in St. Cecile 
Lodge, No. 568, June 3, 1902. Appointed Senior Master 
of Ceremonies in 1903; Junior Deacon in 1904; Senior 
Deacon in 1905; Junior Deacon in 1906; Senior Deacon in 
1907; elected Junior Warden in 1908; Senior Warden in 
1909; Worshipful Master in 1910. Appointed Grand Di¬ 
rector of Ceremonies in 1912. Died September 11, 1915. 

From his first appointive position Bro. Dowers put into his 
Masonic tasks his entire energy. No duty was too trivial 
to engage his best efforts, and he set his ideals high. Un¬ 
mistakable sincerity, coupled with rugged honesty, gained 
for Bro. Dowers the implicit confidence of his intimates, and 
these qualities with a more than ordinary comprehension 
of practical affairs made his acquisition of value to any en¬ 
terprise. At times of a strangely contradictory nature, he 
was frequently misunderstood by strangers. On occasions 
there was a certain brusqueness of manner which had a tend¬ 
ency to repel those unacquainted with the real man within. 
He brought to the office of Worshipful Master a virile force, 



336 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


with originality. Masonic duty ever was to him a sacred 
trust, and he had a profound reverence for the Great Archi¬ 
tect. Besides his long service for St. Cecile Lodge, Bro. 
Dowers occupied the various stations leading up to and in¬ 
cluding that of High Priest (1907) in Corinthian Chapter, 
Ho. 159, K.A.M.; Thrice Illustrious Master of Columbian 
Council (1908), Ho. I. B. & S. M.; was appointed Grand 
Recorder (1912) of Grand Council, to fill unexpired term; 
in Ivanhoe Commandery, Ho. 36, K. T., was Eminent Com¬ 
mander in 1912. He was also active in the Scottish Rite, 
Horthem Jurisdiction, and at the time of his death was 
Most Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix. He was 
a member of the Fraternal Union of Anointed High 
Priests; of Azim Grotto, Veiled Prophets; vice-president of 
the Masonic Board of Relief; was a member of the Masonic 
Club, the Square Club, the Masonic Historical Society, etc. 
Bro. Dowers was born in Brooklyn in 1861, and lived there 
all his life. He was for more than thirty years in charge 
of the press room of the German daily New Yorker Herold. 
Details of his obsequies will be found under the proper date 
in this volume. 

Scarcely was the installation of officers over when a Ma¬ 
sonic funeral was requested for Bro. George W. Swope 
(Rice), who died on December 23 at his home in Long Island. 
A summons was sent out for the brethren to take the train 
on Sunday morning, the day after Christmas. When the 
morning broke there was a blizzard raging, and no one ap¬ 
peared at the Hew York terminal except the Master and the 
Junior Warden. Several of the brethren who were at the 
Brooklyn station were unable to leave. Bro. Dowers and 
Bro. Williams, carrying a handsome wreath of flowers, got 
as far as Hicksville, after considerable difficulty, and there 
the railroad officials decided to send the passengers back to 
the city, as it was impossible to make headway against the 
great fall of snow. The train then ran into a deep cut filled 
with snow and was unable to proceed in either direction. 


1910 ] 


OF ST. CEC1LE LODGE. 


337 


There everybody remained in the cars from Sunday after¬ 
noon until rescued Monday morning, without necessaries, 
and during the last seven hours without light or heat, and 
with but little to mitigate the rigors of the storm—certainly 
an experience not easily forgotten. 

The question of buying a cemetery plot, to be devoted ex¬ 
clusively to the use of St. Cecilians, was brought up and, 
after considerable discussion the Worshipful Master ap¬ 
pointed a committee, consisting of Bro. Charles Miller Wil¬ 
liams, W. George W. Hackenberger, W. George Johnston, 
W. Harry W. Entwistle and Bro. Isaac Friedenberg, to in¬ 
quire into the advisability of securing a cemetery plot. After 
thoroughly canvassing the proposition, it was decided by the 
committee to be inexpedient, and the entire project was 
dropped. 

“Auld Lang Syne Day” was the designation given by the 
Master to the first Tuesday of February. It proved to be an 
occasion replete with pleasurable incidents, aside from the 
reunion of old friends. The Renaissance Boom was none too 
large for the crowd. During the afternoon the Grand Secre¬ 
tary was made the recipient of a magnificent grandfather’s 
clock, in a handsome mahogany case six feet high, with 
silvery chimes and other accessories complete. The clock 
had been skilfully covered with a large American flag, which 
was drawn away at the psychological moment. This hand¬ 
some gift was purchased by individual subscriptions of one 
dollar each. The presentation was made by B. W. George 
Loesch, in a highly complimentary speech, to which the genial 
“Colonel” responded with much feeling. Bro. Ehlers’s sur¬ 
prise was complete, as no inkling of the impending gift had 
been permitted to reach him. Bro. Ehlers accepted the gift 
in the same spirit in which it was given, and likened the 
chimes of his clock to the beautiful music which he had so 
often enjoyed in St. Cecile Lodge. A poem was read which 
had been written for the occasion by Bro. William B. White, 


338 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


the venerable father of Bro. William S. White, of St. Cecile 
Lodge, who had been a friend of the Grand Secretary for 
many years: 

Could I control the fleeting years, 

That mark our earthly score, 

And hurl us through this vale of tears, 

Toward Lethe’s gloomy shore, 

I’d check them with a heavy rein, 

And bid them halt awhile, 

That I might with a sweet refrain 
Your noble heart beguile. 

But time and tide will not us heed, 

They run their rapid pace, 

And we, like them, as fast a steed, 

Must run our checkered race. 

Then let us with a cheerful heart, 

The flight of time defy ; 

Each strive some joy to each impart, 

While years go rolling by. 

Dear Brother, of the mystic tie, 

Friend of my early days, 

When brighter suns illumed my sky, 

And warmer were their rays, 

I hail thee with a heart sincere, 

At threescore years and ten, 

A loyal friend without a peer, 

A jewel among men. 

So, Brother, I my tribute bring, 

To greet this festive day, 

And in my heart your praises sing, 

To cheer thee on thy way, 

And while the years pile up their score, 

Let us with craftsmen share 
The blessings that we have in store, 

Still act upon the square. 


The programme provided for the enjoyment of the breth¬ 
ren included violin solos by Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, songs 
by Bros. Charles W. Walker, Edward S. Zeitz and William 
Fullerton, and a splendid brass quartet, composed of Bros. 
Frederico Sonty, Nicola Del Negro, Carl Wolff and Gustav 
A. Myers. The exercises were concluded with the singing 


1910 ] 


OF ST. GEGILE LODGE. 


339 


of “Auld Lang Syne/’ in which everybody joined. An inter¬ 
esting feature was the return to St. Cecile Lodge by affiliation 
of Bro. Laurence O’Reilly. After affixing his name for 
the second time to the By-laws, Bro. O’Reilly delivered 
an amusing speech in German, in which language he is an 
adept, and expressed his happiness in being “home again in 
St. Cecile Lodge.” Among the great number of notables 
present none attracted more attention than W. John E. 
Morse, who had been brought from his home in Brooklyn by 
special conveyance, owing to his feeble health. Bro. Morse 
was very happy at being present on this day. 

Third degree called out a very large attendance on the 
third Tuesday of February, and the visitors included M. W. 
Halfdan Bendeke, Grand Master of North Dakota; R. W. 
George Duncan Bowne, P. G. D. C., Asiatic Archipelago, at 
Singapore, accompanied by M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, and 
other distinguished brethren. The honored visitors expressed 
their pleasure at being present, and seemed very much grati¬ 
fied at their reception. The lessons of the historical legend 
were explained by W. Alfred J. Weber, of Gramercy Lodge, 
in an interesting manner. 

ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT AND SOIREE 

Much interest was manifested in the annual reception and 
ball of St. Cecile, held at the Lexington Opera House, on 
the evening of the first Thursday in March. Electric lights 
and decorations gave a strikingly beautiful effect to the hall. 
More than six hundred couples took part in the grand march, 
and many times during the evening more than five hundred 
couples were dancing. The stage programme had seventeen 
numbers of a thoroughly enjoyable show. The band and 
orchestra, alternating, were under the direction of Bro. 
Ernest F. Erdmann and Bro. Carl E. Williams. The ar¬ 
rangements were carried out smoothly and efficiently and the 
function of 1910 may he set down as another great St. Cecile 


success. 


340 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


Bro. Charles Miller Williams was chairman of the Gen¬ 
eral Committee, while the stage was in charge of W. James 
H. Curtin, W. William E. Tway and Bro. W. W. (“Seltzer”) 
Waters. Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann was chairman of the Mu¬ 
sic Committee, and W. George W. Hackenberger provided 
the decorations. 

Bro. Imro Fox, a popular magician well known in and out 
of the Lodge, died somewhat suddenly on March 4 and was 
buried in the Oheb Sholom Cemetery, in Newark, N. J. 
There were no services other than those provided by Babbi 
Solomon Foster, of the Temple B’nai Jeshurun. The spot has 
since been marked with a handsome stone erected by the 
United Magicians’ Association. Bro. John P. Schofield, a 
printer, who affiliated with the Lodge May 31, 1904, died 
March 9. Masonic services held at the funeral parlors of 
Bro. James B. Smith were attended by brethren and repre¬ 
sentatives of the Typographical Union, of which Bro. Scho¬ 
field had long been a member. 

The excellent piano provided for the Lodge years ago by 
W. Bro. Myron A. Decker having shown signs of approach¬ 
ing deterioration due to age, the question of an up-to-date 
instrument was mentioned, when W. William E. Tway 
took the matter under consideration and soon a brand new 
piano replaced the older one. 

“home-coming” of “our” district deputy 

“Home-Comings,” so-called, are exceedingly popular func¬ 
tions in metropolitan lodges toward the close of the winter 
season. St. Cecile Lodge, being the proud possessor of a live 
District Deputy, prepared to bring to a close his formal of¬ 
ficial visitations among the Lodges of the Seventh District 
by showing him such honor as the brethren felt the exalted 
station demanded. The third Tuesday afternoon of April 
will be long remembered as welcoming “home again” of B. 
W. George Loesch after his long tour among the other Lodges. 



WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1910. 

GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES, 1912. 



1910 ] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


341 


At an early hour the brethren began to gather in the Grand 
Lodge Room, and when the gavel sounded every seat was oc¬ 
cupied. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers arrived early and oc¬ 
cupied a seat in the east. 

As the District Deputy entered, escorted by a long double 
line of Masters and Past Masters that reached the entire 
length of the room, the assemblage, led by Benevolent Lodge 
Quartet, rose and joined in singing “Home, Sweet Home.” 
R. W. Robert Judson Kenworthy, P. G. M., responding in 
behalf of Bro. Loesch to the eloquent words of greeting by 
the Grand Secretary, who spoke in behalf of the Worshipful 
Master, alluded in glowing terms to the fidelity with which 
Bro. Loesch had performed his deputative duties. 

W. George W. Hackenberger then stepped forward and 
presented Bro. Loesch with a magnificent cut glass punch 
bowl as a souvenir from the brethren of the Lodge. The 
Grand Master was unable to attend, hut sent a letter express¬ 
ing in the highest terms his appreciation of the valuable 
services rendered by Bro. Loesch as his representative. R. 
W. August Eickelberg, Custodian of the Work, complimented 
the Lodge on having been so well represented in the councils 
of the Grand Lodge, paying tribute to the zeal displayed by 
Bro. Loesch in all his undertakings. W. George Fleming 
sang several baritone selections, and the St. Cecile Orchestra 
of twenty-five men played stirring music, under the direction 
of Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann. W. Harry Alton Russell pre¬ 
sided at the great organ with fine effect. 

After the Lodge closed there were material refreshments, 
waiting in the basement, and the brethren proceeded to sat¬ 
isfy the more prosaic demands of the physical appetite. 
Much merriment was furnished by Bro. “Seltzer” Waters, 
with comical songs, in which everybody joined in the cho¬ 
ruses. Bro. Albert Von Tilzer and Bro. Harry K. Rogers 
also contributed to the fun during the feast. 

Bro. John McGowan, who became a member of the Lodge 
in 1895, died suddenly April 21. He had been in conver- 


342 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


sation with several friends, and arose to walk across the 
room, when he dropped lifeless at their feet. Bro. McGowan 
was very well and favorably known among theatrical folk, 
and his funeral was largely attended by brethren and numer¬ 
ous professional friends. At the next communication the 
Worshipful Master brought the unexpected death of Bro. 
McGowan to the earnest attention of the Lodge by a strik¬ 
ingly beautiful ceremony, during which “Nearer, My God, 
to Thee,” was sung as a baritone solo. 

How very slight is our hold on this mortal existence, and 
with what ease we throw it off when the fateful summons 
comes, was dramatically emphasized in the case of W. Wil¬ 
liam E. Tway, who attended the masonic services over the 
remains of Bro. McGowan. He there expressed a hope that 
he might pass away in like manner when the Great Architect 
should call him, and in the short space of seventeen days his 
wish had been realized. Bro. Tway’s illness was of very 
short duration, and the bright eyes which sparkled with the 
gladness and the joy of life quickly closed forever, leaving 
a host of mourning friends and relatives with saddened 
hearts. The Masonic life and activities of Bro. Tway have 
been referred to elsewhere in this volume, and little can be 
added to what is set down there. He was but forty-one years 
old at the time of his death. The funeral services were held 
in the Grand Lodge Room and were attended by a very large 
assemblage. The ceremony of the Elks Lodge was first given, 
after which the Masonic service was performed by the breth¬ 
ren of St. Cecile Lodge, W. Harry A. Greene acting Master. 
There were appropriate musical selections by a vocal quartet, 
alternating with a soprano soloist, followed by a violin solo 
with organ accompaniment. The funeral cortege was headed 
by the St. Cecile Brass Band of thirty instruments, followed 
by a large number of uniformed Knights Templars and a 
long line of brethren and friends, who accompanied the re¬ 
mains down Fifth avenue as far as Washington square. The 
interment was in Greenwood. 


1910 ] 


OF ST. OEOILE LODGE. 


343 


A beautiful tribute to tbe departed brethren was inaugu¬ 
rated in the lodge room by the Worshipful Master, which, 
though brief, was strikingly impressive, and was favorably 
commented upon by all the brethren. The ceremony included 
a short address by the Master, with a vocal solo, followed 
by an interval of silence. It was thus that W. William E. 
Tway was remembered, and also King Edward VII., Grand 
Master of Masons in England, who died May 6, 1910. At 
a communication about this time a substantial contribution 
was made to the Children’s Fund of the Masonic Home in 
Utica. B. W. Herbert E. Crocker, Assistant Grand Lecturer, 
through whose valuable assistance many of the officers at¬ 
tained proficiency in their official duties, was remembered 
with a handsome piece of cut glass, presented with much 
pleasant formality. A splendid entertainment and concert 
was also given at the Montefiore Home, which gladdened the 
hearts of its inmates. 

Brothers selected from the floor were called upon to con¬ 
fer the Fellow Craft degree at the first communication in 
June, and the Worshipful Master was complimented on the 
happy thought. The appointments included: Bro. Charles 
Peppel, Senior Warden; Bro. Irving W. Wiggin, Junior 
Warden; Bro. George Kellington, Senior Deacon; Bro. Wil¬ 
liam C. Cubitt, Junior Deacon. The work of the degree 
was given with the esprit of veterans. Leading masonic 
newspapers mentioned the innovation as encouraging the 
development of latent talent among the brethren. 

There was a decided feeling of gratification when it be¬ 
came known that M. W. Bobert Judson Kenworthy, Grand 
Master, had honored the Lodge by appointing W. George W. 
Hackenberger Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge. By for¬ 
mal vote of the Lodge a letter was sent to the Grand Master, 
thanking him for the distinction, and voicing the approbation 
of the brethren. A committee of ten, with K. W. George 
Loesch as chairman, was appointed by the Worshipful Mas¬ 
ter to arrange for properly investing the new officer of the 


344 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


Grand Staff. The formal presentation took place early in 
the fall, and was the occasion for a great attendance. The 
Master Mason degree was conferred during the afternoon and 
the refreshment hour was made notable for the excellent 
programme of vocal and instrumental music provided. But 
the main attraction was, of course, the presentation to R. W. 
George W. Hackenberger of the insignia of his exalted office 
as Grand Steward. R. W. George Loesch spoke of the great 
affection felt for Bro. Hackenberger, and of the appreciation 
felt by the brethren for his faithful services, beginning as he 
did, with a small place in the Lodge, and now reaching im¬ 
portant position in the Grand Lodge. Properly clothed with 
the beautiful apron and diamond-studded jewel of his high 
office, the Grand Steward was then officially received in the 
east, and formally presented to the brethren. Bro. Hacken¬ 
berger expressed his appreciation in a well-chosen address, 
and took his seat amid tremendous applause. Features of 
the day were the address of M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers 
to the newly raised brethren, tenor solos by Bro. Thomas 
Boyd McQueen, songs by Bro. Thomas Baker and Bro. T. 
Harlan Fudge; ’cello solos by Bro. Alfred Fasano, and a 
splendid instrumental quintet, led by Bro. Ernest F. Erd¬ 
mann. The Renaissance Room was crowded to the doors. 
Those present included many Grand Lodge officers and 
Masters, together with a numerous delegation from the 
Square Club. 

Though other Lodges have their vacation time during the 
heated spell, there is no surcease of work for St. Cecile 
Lodge. During the summer season our theatrical brethren 
come to renew their acquaintance and very often with peti¬ 
tions for membership. The summer communications, there¬ 
fore, never lack for either interest or attendance. Among the 
welcome visitors during the summer was Bro. Arthur Cun¬ 
ningham, a popular operatic singer, of California Lodge, 
Ho. 1, San Francisco, who is ever ready to entertain with 
delightful baritone solos; Lieutenant King, of the United 


1910 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


345 


States Navy, also was present and took part in the work, as 
did W. George Winterburn, of York Lodge, who has assisted 
on many former occasions. The lessons of the historical 
legend were for the first time explained by W. Harry W. Ent- 
wistle in an instructively interesting manner, and it was 
noted that many years had passed since a Master of St. Cecile 
Lodge had performed this important service. 

Bro. “Billy” White modestly acknowledged that he had 
recently married, and the “boys” immediately started a sub¬ 
scription, which resulted in the presentation of a handsome 
clock to Bro. White. Another presentation ensued when W. 
Harry W. Entwistle was called before the altar. R. W. 
George W. Hackenberger, on behalf of the Worshipful Mas¬ 
ter, spoke of the splendid service given the Lodge by W. Bro. 
Entwistle as officer and Master, and concluded by handing 
to the pleased recipient a handsome and valuable candelabra, 
complete, as a souvenir of appreciation from the Lodge. 

A very unusual circumstance was the deaths of two Past 
Grand Masters of the State within a week. M. W. James 
Ten Eyck died suddenly on the evening of July 28 , at his 
home in Albany, aged seventy years. Eight days later the 
craft was startled by the death of M. W. J. Edward Sim¬ 
mons, which occurred, after a short illness, at Lake Mohonk. 
The Masonic activities of these two distinguished members 
of the Grand Lodge are too well known to need more than 
passing mention here. For years their names had been 
identified with the best and most important events in the his¬ 
tory of Masonry in the Empire State, and they died leaving 
behind them records of high attainment. W. Dowers had 
printed and sent to every member of St. Cecile Lodge a neat 
pamphlet, containing portraits of the eminent craftsmen, to¬ 
gether with brief data concerning their lives. 

GREAT DAY WITH THE ACTORS 

“Actors’ Day” as it was designated by the Worshipful 
Master, on which occasion our brethren of the theatre con- 


346 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


ferred tlie Master Mason degree, occurred at the last com¬ 
munication of August, and drew an immense attendance to 
the Renaissance Room. For information and in keeping 
with the main idea there was printed for distribution among 
the brethren a semi-facetious cast of characters, as follows: 

FOR THE ACTORS’ DAY 
The Worshipful Master presents 

A Drama of Absorbing Interest. A Moral Uplift. Instructive and 
Historical. With the Following Cast of Sterling Players: 

Worshipful Master. Bro. Charles H. Clarke 

(Formerly with Louis James and Frederick Warde, etc.) 

Senior Warden. Bro. C. Dallas Welford 

(“Mr. Hopkinson” and “The Girl from Maxim’s.”) 

Junior Warden. Bro. Thomas A. Wise 

(“The Man from Mississippi.”) 

Senior Deacon. Bro. Al. M. De Lisser 

(Captain Paul, in “Captain Paul.”) 

Senior Master Ceremonies. Bro. Harry De Veaux 

(Vaudevillian.) 

Junior Master Ceremonies.W. James H. Curtin 

(“The Sheriff from Texas,” “Uncle Jim,” etc.) 

Other Stations and Places by Eminent Members of the Craft. 
Fellow Crafts, Fishermen, Craftsmen, 

Chorus of Villagers by the Entire Company 

Appropriate Music by Skilled Artists. 
Historical Legends will be exemplified by Worshipful Thomas J. Hart, 
of Day Star Lodge, No. 798. 

The reading of the printed programme caused many 
smiles among the brethren, which soon gave way to expres¬ 
sions of commendation at the splendid manner in which the 
actors conferred the degree. 

In addition to the foregoing somewhat waggish ritualistic 
programme there was a fine vocal entertainment contributed 
by Bros. Harry Kaskel Rogers, Thomas Boyd McQueen, 
William Fullerton, James Merson, and Bro. McKay, who 
imitated various musical instruments. Altogether, it was a 
remarkable communication, to be long remembered. 

Much illness was reported at this time among the brethren. 
Bro. Walter T. Sternenberg was ill for a long time at his 








1910 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


347 


residence in New Rochelle, and finally succumbed to a com¬ 
plication of ailments early in the following spring. Bro. 
John H. Heilbeck was stricken with pneumonia, and passed 
away during the latter part of October. Just a week later, 
on Oct. 25, Bro. Mark Ellsworth died. He was well known 
as an actor. Bro. Lucien J. Gaugler died December 10. 
Bros. Barney Gerard and George Greenwood were confined 
in hospitals for several weeks; Bro. Charles S. Sinclair was 
quite ill in Bellevue Hospital, and was finally taken to Long 
Island. All three recovered. 

An invitation was received from New York Lodge, No. 1, 
T. M. N. A., of which W. James H. Curtin was president, 
to attend a memorial service, to be held in the Grand Lodge 
Room on November 6. As many St. Cecilians were also 
members of this organization, there was a good attendance 
at the service, which was interesting as well as impressive. 

A gala day was the last Tuesday in November, when the 
Lodge was honored by the official visitation of the District 
Deputy of the Seventh District, accompanied by a delegation 
from the Square Club, together with a large attendance of 
the brethren. R. W. Dana B. Pratt, representative of the 
Grand Master in the Seventh District, was welcomed cor¬ 
dially by the Worshipful Master, and received in the east 
with the honors of his exalted station. His address was in¬ 
teresting and was received with marked approval by the 
brethren. During the afternoon a certificate of honorary 
membership was presented to R. W. August Eickleberg, P. 
D. D., Seventh District. The presentation was made by 
M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary, in his best 
style. The response of Bro. Eickleberg was also in very 
happy vein. Bro. Charles Rann Kennedy, the gifted author 
of “The Servant in the House,” gave a reading from the 
scriptures, followed by an Irish playlet, which was liberally 
applauded. Third degree, in addition to all the foregoing, 
made this a very busy afternoon. The orchestra: First 
violin, Bro. Ernest E. Erdmann; second violin, Bro. Martin 


348 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1910 


Van Praag; viola, Bro. Lester Hirsch; ’cello, Bro. Alfred 
Fasano; bass, Bro. Emile Couchoud. K. W. August Eickle- 
berg explained the lessons of the historical legend in an ex¬ 
ceedingly interesting manner, emphasizing the beauties of 
the standard work. Among the many visitors was a delega¬ 
tion of Masons from Asbury Park, headed by W. A. T. Van 
Cleve. 

Ladies of the Lodge’s extensive family look forward with 
anticipations of the keenest pleasure to the recurrence of 
the annual entertainment given each fall for their especial 
enjoyment, and the matinee of this year, like its predecessors, 
was an occasion of more than ordinary interest. It was held 
in the Grand Lodge Hall on the second Wednesday of Decem¬ 
ber, and was followed with a luncheon by Bro. Prince, at 
which at least a thousand ladies sat down. The programme 
was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and the ladies departed at a 
seasonable hour with many expressions of pleasure. The 
committee in charge of arrangements was Bro. Archie R. 
Kerr, chairman; R. W. George E. Wallen, W. James H. 
Curtin, W. Harry A. Greene, and Bro. Joseph Pile. 

There was plenty of music at Lodge meetings throughout 
the year, contributed by various brothers. Bro. George Vail, 
baritone; Bro. Karl Driggs, tenor, and Bro. Pasternak, as¬ 
sistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera House, were 
prominent among those who entertained. 

Among those who joined the Lodge during the year from 
the theatrical field were Bros. Lester Brown, Harry DeVeaux, 
Thomas G. Fortune, Franklyn Roberts, and Christopher Dal¬ 
las Welford, actors; Bros. Hans W. Meyer, Lion Van Der 
Heim, William H. Hickey, Franz Listeman, Alfred Fasano, 
Frank Wolf, Kinsel Pearce, Burdette Sullivan, Victor Bara- 
valle and Oscar Radin, musicians; Philip Chrispano, Robert 
Shingleton, Harry C. Gill, David Berk, Will H. Roehm, 
Herman Field, Harry Kaskel Rogers, employed in various 
theatrical occupations. Bro. Frank S. Rix, coal merchant; 
Bro. Samuel Orange, costumer; Bro. Joseph F. Silvers, Wil- 


1911 ] 


OF ST. CEGILE LODGE. 


349 


liam Beebe, Sidney M. Auer, George M. Alexander, Lewis 
H. Sugarman, Louis Perlman, traveling salesmen. 

There was a gain of twenty-eight in membership over the 
preceding year, with eight deaths. 

The annual meeting was held on the third Tuesday of 
December, M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary, 
presiding during the election of officers, and afterward in¬ 
stalling the new staff, elective and appointive. 


1911. 

W. Charles Frank Shepard (Linotype Operator)— 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, October 21, 1902. Appointed 
Senior Master of Ceremonies in 1906; Junior Deacon in 
1907; Senior Deacon in 1908; elected Junior Warden in 
1909; Senior Warden in 1910; Worshipful Master in 1911. 
Trustee 1912. 

The thirty-first Master of the Lodge, W. Charles Frank 
Shepard, was born in Turin, Lewis County, 17. Y., in 1864. 
He received his early education in the public schools of his 
native place and in Utica, where he also learned the art of 
printing. Since coming to the metropolis Bro. Shepard has 
been steadily employed on the big morning dailies. Bro. 
Shepard is possessed of a pleasing personality, which wins 
for him many friends. Although not a “mixer,” as the 
popular term goes, Bro. Shepard is a member of Corinthian 
Chapter, Ho. 159, R. A. M.; Ivanho Commandery, Ho. 36, 
K. T.; Mecca Temple, the Square Club, etc. 

Christmas donations, always generous, were further aug¬ 
mented at this time by substantial checks sent to various 
brothers found to be in need. Occasionally these well meant 
remembrances came back, with expressions of thanks, when 
the recipient felt that others were in greater need of the 
donation. 


350 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1911 


It was learned with much regret that R. W. George Loesch 
had severed his business connections in the metropolis and 
accepted a position in Philadelphia, in which city he pur¬ 
posed to make his future home. Earnest wishes for his 
success in the new sphere were expressed in speeches—after 
which all joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne.” 

Winter’s rigors again brought with it much illness and 
the new staff of officers was kept busy visiting the sick and 
relieving distress. Bro. Harry B. Lester was laid up with 
congestion of the lungs; R. W. George W. Hackenberger was 
confined to his home with grip, and Bro. William M. Arm¬ 
strong was reported ill with fever and grip. Bro. John B. 
Dausch, who had a large tumor removed, never recovered 
from the effects of the operation and passed away on the 16th 
of February. Bro. Jules Erancke fell on an icy sidewalk and 
was laid up with severe injuries for several weeks. Bro. 
Joseph De Bona, a fine violinist and a familiar figure in the 
Lodge for more than a decade, during which time he was 
greatly loved by the brethren, died January 30, but no word 
reached the Lodge until some time afterward. A brief 
memorial service in his memory was given in the Lodge on 
the third Tuesday of February. 

Quite a number were waiting to receive the Master Mason 
degree, and it was found necessary to have third degree twice 
in January, which relieved the trestle board to an appre¬ 
ciable extent. On the third Tuesday of January the brethren 
heard a fine lecture delivered by R. W. Richard Shepard, Jr., 
P. D. D., 7th District, and at the communication on the 
fifth Tuesday of the same month R. W. Donald Gow ex¬ 
plained the lessons of the historical legend in a stirring ad¬ 
dress. Both of these occasions were enlivened by splendid 
vocal and instrumental music, contributed by such well 
known artists as Bro. Arthur Cunningham, of San Francisco 
Lodge; Bro. A1 Von Tilzer, of St. Cecile, together with 
Bros. William Fullerton, Edward S. Zeitz, Harry K 
Rogers and George Vail. Considerable amusement was fur- 


1911 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


351 


nished by a sale of boxes for the annual entertainment of 
the Lodge, the amateur auctioneers vieing with each other 
for the best results. 

The annual entertainment and ball was held at the Lex¬ 
ington Opera House on the evening of Wednesday, March 15. 
Owing to a violent rainstorm, the attendance was not up to 
that of former years, but those who came were well repaid. 
The stage performance, one of the best seen in many years, 
was given by many vaudeville celebrities. Dancing followed, 
and the main hall was soon filled with whirling couples. 
R. W. George E. Wallen was chairman of the General Com¬ 
mittee, W. John J. Dowers, treasurer; and Bro. Archie R. 
Kerr, secretary. Bro. Carl F. Williams directed the or¬ 
chestra during the stage performance, while Bro. Ernest F. 
Erdmann wielded the baton during the dancing. 

Funeral services under difficulties were held in Hew Ro¬ 
chelle, in March, over Bro. Walter T. Sternenberg, who had 
been ill for a long time with a complication of diseases and 
who passed into the Great Beyond on March 25. The good 
brethren of Huguenot Lodge, Ho. 46, at the Worshipful 
Master’s call, joined with those who went out from the city, 
and there was a substantial attendance at the services. The 
ceremony began about nine o’clock in the evening at the resi¬ 
dence in Winy ah avenue, and were conducted by W. C. 
Frank Shepard, Master, assisted by W. Harry W. Entwistle, 
W. Harry A. Greene of St. Cecile; and W. George A. Fisher, 
of LIuguenot Lodge. 

The annual communications of the Grand Lodge brought 
many visitors to St. Cecile, among whom were some from 
very distant points. Bro. George Myer, of Ketchikan Lodge, 
Alaska, was among those present and assisting in the work. 
Bro. William Thompson, lately of Albert Edward Lodge, 
Ho. 1714, London, England, affiliated. Bro. Charles E. 
Eldridge was welcomed home after an extended tour, and 
Bro. William Poillon reported the fishing fine in Florida, 
where he had spent several months. 


352 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1911 


Bro. Murry Woods, who is residing in Virginia, sent a 
poem which was inspired by seeing a number of costly monu¬ 
ments in a cemetery. The sentiments are worthy of a place 
in the records, and are here given for perusal: 

HELP A BROTHER WHILE HE LIVES 

Help a brother while he lives, don’t wait for him to die, 

To show how much you cared for him, with mourners standing by. 

No funeral pomp can take the place of a kindly word or deed 
Should misfortune be his lot or brother be in need. 

When he will need a kindly hand to help him on his way, 

While fighting life’s tempestuous seas, to a brighter, happier day. 

A crust of bread is better far a starving man to save 
Than a monument of bronze or stone erected o’er his grave. 

No eulogistic praise e’er wrote or flowers upon his bier 

Can help a brother when he’s dead, so help him while he’s here. 

No man’s so great but the day may come when misfortune’s chilly blast 
Will wreck his fondest hopes and aims and shadows o’er him cast. 

So help a brother while he lives; don’t wait for him to die 
To show how much you cared for him with tears that dim the eye. 
For when his span of life is run and he sleeps the eternal sleep 
He needs no help from mortal man, God has him in his keep. 

W. Edmond F. Pier don of Alma Lodge died suddenly 
on Monday, May 22d, and was mourned by a host of Ma¬ 
sonic friends. Bro. Pierdon had been for years a regular 
attendant at all the meetings of St. Cecile Lodge, both formal 
and social, and was ever ready in all good works. He was 
raised in England, and affiliated with Alma Lodge, 'No. 728, 
of which he became Master in 1904. His genial personality 
won for him the love of all with whom he associated in the 
various Masonic bodies, and his death was generally deplored. 

Early in June W. John J. Dowers, immediate Past Mas¬ 
ter of the Lodge, was called to the altar by the Worshipful 
Master, Charles F. Shepard, and presented with a handsome 
and valuable diamond ring, embellished with Masonic char¬ 
acters. The presentation was made by W. Harry A. Greene, 


1911 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


353 


in a neat address, and W. Dowers thanked the brethren for 
the handsome testimonial of their appreciation. 

It was thought expedient and for the best interests of the 
Lodge at this time to advance the fees for degrees and mem¬ 
bership, and upon full discussion by the brethren, after ful¬ 
filling all the legal requirements, the By-laws were amended, 
making the fee for conferring the three degrees $75, instead 
of $50, as formerly. The fee for affiliation was advanced 
to $25. One of the interested old-timers present during the 
discussion was Bro. Larry O’Reilly, the first initiate in 
1865. Other visitors who were welcomed by the Master 
included Bro. Theodore Schreiber, of Chelsea Lodge, Ho. 
3098, and Earl’s Court Lodge, Ho. 3768, London, England; 
Bros. Robert W. Burns and J. W. Silver, of Silver Trowel 
Lodge, Ho. 415, Los Angeles, Cal. Bro. Arthur Cunning¬ 
ham, of San Francisco Lodge, was also welcomed, and de¬ 
lighted all with several fine baritone solos. There was also 
a splendid vocal concert contributed by Bros. George Vail, 
William Fullerton, A1 Von Tilzer, and Henry Halpern, 
which was greatly enjoyed. 

Bro. Alfred Perpignan, having been more than thirty 
years a consistent and faithful member of the Lodge, was 
elected to Active Honorary membership, and was congratu¬ 
lated upon the bestowal of this honor by Bros. John G. 
Pfeiffer, Alexander Davis, “Larry” O’Reilly and many 
others. He was presented with a framed certificate as a 
souvenir of the event. A letter of congratulation was sent by 
the Lodge to Bro. Isaac Friedenberg, celebrating his eighty- 
first birthday, and letters of condolence were addressed to 
Bro. Edward Eeuchtwanger, whose father had recently 
passed away, at a very advanced age, and also to Bro. James 
Rainnie, who had been bereaved in a like manner. Bro. 
William T. Francis suffered a stroke of paralysis; Bro. Les¬ 
ter Brown was laid up in the hospital with a broken arm. 
Bro. Caryl Wilbur was welcomed home again, after two 
years’ absence in England. 


354 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1911 


Bro. Arthur J. Reeder was moved by the poetic muse, 
and sent in the following verses, which were read to the 
brethren, who liberally applauded the sentiments therein ex¬ 
pressed : 

DEAR ST. CECILE 

When afar, in woods, on hillside, 

On the land or on the sea, 

Seeking rest from toilsome labor, 

Oft I think, Dear Lodge, of thee. 

Then my mem’ries gently take me, 

And enriched my soul does feel, 

As in fancy I am wafted, 

Back to thee, Dear St. Cecile. 

In big cities, when disheartened, 

With the turmoil and the strife, 

Filled with weariness and sadness, 

Question I “Oh! what is life?” 

Kindly thoughts of sweetest music, 

Thro’ my troubled mind will steal, 

And so gently they will lead me, 

Back to thee, Dear St. Cecile. 

To the Master, Wardens, Brethren, 

To the high ones and the low, 

And to all the noble craftsmen, 

Who attend at one three o, 

Here’s good cheer and best of wishes, 

Here's to their Masonic zeal, 

Workmen in the world’s great vineyards, 

Here’s to Dear Old St. Cecile.—A. J. R. 

Occasionally some brother is obliged to remove to some 
distant point before receiving all his Masonic degrees, and 
there have been occasions when some local Lodge has been 
requested to confer the remaining degrees. It is rarely that 
any brother requests a dimit during such circumstances, but 
Bro. Emmett I. Vaughn (Entered Apprentice), who was 
a physician, received an appointment in the Government 
service, and finding that he would probably he stationed for 
a considerable time in Panama, requested a dimit to affiliate 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1911 






1911] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


355 


with Sojourners’ Lodge, Cristobal, Colon, which was duly 
granted, and that Lodge requested to confer the remaining 
degrees. This is the only instance of the kind which has 
ever occurred in the half century of St. Cecile’s existence. 

To gain time, so that the work would not be hurried, it 
has frequently happened that a special communication would 
he called for some early hour, before the regular hour of 
meeting. This has been found expedient on third degree 
days, as was the case on the third Tuesday of November. 
W. C. Frank Shepard arrived in time to resume the Master’s 
station during the regular communication. This proved to 
be one of the most enjoyable meetings of the entire year. 
Aside from the interesting degree work, in which the regu¬ 
lar officers were assisted by the Fellow Craft team from Ster¬ 
ling Lodge, No. 817, and the faultless lecture of M. W. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers, the Lodge was honored by the presence 
of M. W. Robert Judson Kenworthy, Grand Master, who 
entered with R. W. Jacob Klinck, Grand Marshal. The 
Renaissance Room was filled with well known brethren, many 
of them Grand Lodge officers. An orchestra of fifteen, con¬ 
ducted by Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, added greatly to the 
enjoyment, as did the singing of Bro. William Fullerton, 
tenor. W. Charles H. Govan gave “Casey at the Bat” in 
inimitable style, and there were instrumental solos by Bros. 
Erdmann, violin, and Fasano, ’cello. 

There’s only one “grand” Secretary known to the Masons 
of the Empire State, and his title among those honored with 
his acquaintance is the “Colonel.” By this endearing appel¬ 
lation the genial Edward M. L. Ehlers is known to thousands. 
In order to properly celebrate the anniversary of his thirtieth 
year as Grand Secretary, on Saturday evening, December 
2d, a great dinner was arranged at the Hotel Savoy, which 
was presided over by the Grand Master, and attended by 
nearly four hundred guests, including everybody of promi¬ 
nence in Masonry in New York. 


356 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1911 


R. W. Harold Grey, District Deputy of the Seventh Dis¬ 
trict, made his official visitation to the Lodge the first Tues¬ 
day in December, accompanied by members of the Square 
Club. Bro. Grey was formally presented by R. W. Bro. 
Hackenberger, and escorted to the east, where he was cor¬ 
dially welcomed by the Worshipful Master. Bro. Grey’s 
address was a sensible, practical appeal for faithful perform¬ 
ance of the duties devolving upon all Masons, and in this he 
touched upon a popular theme. The District Deputy ex¬ 
pressed his satisfaction with the work of the Lodge, and 
promised to attend communications of St. Cecile whenever 
time permitted his doing so. 

Radiant femininity poured into the Grand Lodge Room 
on the second Tuesday afternoon of December, the occasion 
being the annual ladies’ matinee. Fully fifteen hundred 
crowded in, and they enjoyed an excellent performance. The 
programme was given by brothers of the Lodge, assisted by 
several artists who generously volunteered their services. 
In addition, there was a fine concert by the St. Cecile Orches¬ 
tra of twenty-five, under the leadership of Bro. Ernest F. 
Erdmann. Handsome souvenirs made in the form of gold- 
lacquered jewel boxes were presented to the ladies, and many 
complimentary remarks were heard as they departed, highly 
elated, after the entertainment. 

Election day occurred in the Lodge on the third Tuesday 
of December and was very largely attended. After the read¬ 
ing of reports of the various officers, the staff for the ensuing 
year was selected. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was present 
and presided during the election, afterward installing the 
new officers, assisted by R. W. George Loesch as Grand Mar¬ 
shal. Bro. Charles Miller Williams was elected as Worship¬ 
ful Master, with Bro. Abel S. Holcomb as Senior Warden, 
and Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, Junior Warden. The Wor¬ 
shipful Master then named his appointees, who were charged 
by the presiding officer with a faithful performance of their 


1912 ] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


357 


various duties. The usual liberal Christmas remembrances 
were made to various deserving persons, after which the 
brethren adjourned to the restaurant of Bro. William Ross, 
where a pleasant hour was spent in a substantial dinner in¬ 
terspersed with song and story. 


1912. 

R. W. Charles Miller Williams (Printer and Writer) 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, June 2. 1891. Ap¬ 
pointed Historian of the Lodge in 1898, reappointed each 
succeeding year until 1909 ; elected Junior Warden in 1910; 
Senior Warden in 1911; Worshipful Master in 1912; Sec¬ 
retary in 1913. Appointed Grand Sword Bearer in 1914 
by M. W. George Freifeld, Grand Master. 

(A biographical sketch of Bro. Williams will be found in 
the earlier pages of this volume, under the year 1898.) 

All the new officers were in their places promptly at the 
first communication of the new year, with the Entered Ap¬ 
prentice degree on the trestle-board. Among those received 
by the Worshipful Master was a delegation from St. Cecile 
Lodge, Ho. 193, Newark, N. J., including W. Edward Issler, 
Master, and several of his officers, among whom was noticed 
Bro. Edward Quinn, formerly of “568.” The visitors re¬ 
ceived a particularly earnest welcome, as this was the first 
formal exchange of courtesies since the Lodge in Newark 
was constituted, May 4, 1910. The Master afterward enter¬ 
tained the visitors at luncheon in the Masonic Club. 

At this communication the Worshipful Master appointed 
the “Harmony Committee,” consisting of all the officers, 
whose duties were defined to be “boosters” for St. Cecile, es¬ 
pecially charged to seek out strangers visiting the Lodge, 
making them welcome. Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, Junior 
Warden, was named as chairman. 


358 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


Mrs. Sarah Friedenberg, the beloved wife of Bro. Isaac 
Friedenberg, passed away on the 16th inst., leaving a large 
circle of sorrowing friends. She was the devoted mother of 
Bros. Louis J., Philip S., Joseph I., and Jacques S., all mem¬ 
bers of the Lodge. The deceased, a woman of more than ordi¬ 
nary refinement and culture, was the idol of her family, 
beloved by a host of friends. There were many expressions 
of sympathy among the brethren. 

Agreeable to previous notice, the fifth Tuesday of January 
was set apart as “Harmony Hay,” that the brethren might 
be brought together into closer acquaintance with each other. 
A special welcome was given to all the Active Honoraries, 
who were received in the east by the Master and each one 
presented with a beautiful American Beauty rose. W. John 
E. Morse, seventy-seven years old (Master in 1889), who 
had been for some time an invalid, was conveyed to the 
Lodge in an automobile, and was enthusiastically greeted. 
M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was present and received con¬ 
gratulations on the recurrence of his birthday. As a token of 
love from the brethren of St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 193 (New¬ 
ark, N. J.), W. Charles Miller Williams was presented with 
a silver trowel. W. Edward Issler made the presentation in 
his best style. The Lodge was closed early and the remainder 
of the afternoon was given over to music and oratory. Each 
brother was presented with a strawberry box hat, upon which 
his name was inscribed. Pipes and tobacco were distributed, 
and then ensued an impromptu programme. Bro. Arthur 
Cunningham sang delightfully, as did Bro. Thomas Boyd 
McQueen and Bro. William Fullerton; Bro. Thomas Benton 
Wilgus delivered a humorous speech, and there was a splen¬ 
did orchestra, under the direction of Bro. Ernest F. Erd¬ 
mann. At 4.30 the brethren adjourned to the Masonic Club, 
where a jolly lunch was spread. There was a large attend¬ 
ance, and everybody expressed their pleasure at the unique 
character of the day’s proceedings. 

During the early winter there was an unusual amount of 


1912 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


359 


illness reported among the brethren. Bro. William T. Fran¬ 
cis, a popular orchestra leader, who had. long been ill and 
unable to work, was tendered a benefit performance at the 
Century Theatre, which proved very successful. Many St. 
Cecilians assisted in the project, besides which there was a 
substantial cash contribution by the Lodge. Bro. Arthur 
Cyril Gordon Weld, of the committee, reported that about 
$5,600 had been realized. W. Allen Latham (Master in ’85), 
who had been ill in St. Vincent’s Hospital, died on Lodge 
day, about the time the Worshipful Master was reporting his 
serious condition to the Lodge. Religious services were held 
in the Church of the Hew Jerusalem, in Thirty-fifth street, 
and were attended by the Worshipful Master and many of¬ 
ficers of the Lodge, some of whom had been lifelong asso¬ 
ciates of the deceased. Bro. Latham was a polished gentle¬ 
man, who had travelled much. He was formerly a musician 
in the leading orchestras. 

DEATH OF FIRST INITIATE UNDER THE CHARTER 

Bro. Laurence O’Reilly (Ho. 18) was initiated August 
15, 1865, and signed the By-laws as a Master Mason Sep¬ 
tember 19, the same year. He died February 25, 1912, after 
a lingering illness. Brother O’Reilly served in the Union 
Army during the Civil War, and afterward had many ex¬ 
citing experiences with the Army in the Far West, on one 
occasion marching with his command for 1,200 miles through 
an unbroken wilderness, finally reaching Fort Leavenworth. 
After being honorably discharged he settled in the metropo¬ 
lis, and became the third Secretary of St. Cecile Lodge, hold¬ 
ing office from 1879 until 1889, when he relinquished the 
position because of his work as Secretary of the Musical 
Mutual Protective Union, an organization numbering several 
thousand members. Bro. O’Reilly was a man of exceptional 
talents, a German scholar, having mastered the language dur¬ 
ing his service in the army, and a writer of much ability on 


3G0 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


musical topics. He was a critic for the Musical Review, 
and also wrote for other musical journals. Masonic funeral 
services were held at the residence in Brooklyn, on the eve¬ 
ning of February 27, and were largely attended. There was 
also a short service by the Master and brethren at Cypress 
Hills Cemetery the next morning. 

Bro. Bernard Price died March 2, and an emergent com¬ 
munication was called at his residence in upper Lexington 
avenue, where Masonic funeral services were held. Bro. 
Price bore his sufferings with fortitude and passed away 
with a firm reliance on the Great Architect. A week later 
the brethren were shocked to hear of the sudden death of 
Bro. Charles A. Bigelow, a popular musical comedy come¬ 
dian, whose clever whimsicalities had amused theatre-goers 
for years. Bro. Bigelow was taken suddenly ill on a railroad 
train while returning home from Cambridge Springs, Pa. 
He was removed to a hospital at Meadville, w T here he died 
the same evening. Bro. Bigelow was a native of Cleveland, 
Ohio, and had been before the public as an entertainer from 
boyhood. He was raised in St. Cecile Lodge September 20, 
1898. Masonic funeral ceremonies were held at an under¬ 
taking parlor in Brooklyn, on March 15, with a large at¬ 
tendance despite a rain that fell in torrents. 

March winds were no deterrent on the evening of March 
6, when the steps of St. Cecilians were directed to the Lex¬ 
ington Opera House, where the annual entertainment and 
dance was being held. Crowds of handsomely gowned ladies, 
with brave masculine escorts, defied the elements, to be pres¬ 
ent. Every number of the stage performance was enthusi¬ 
astically applauded. Then came the grand march, with the 
Worshipful Master and little Miss Emma, the dainty 
daughter of Bro. Joseph Davidoff, in the lead. During the 
maneuvres of the grand march the lights in the hall were 
suddenly extinguished, with the exception of several spot 
lights. Streams of colored confetti were simultaneously 


1912] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


361 


thrown across invisible wires above, festooning down upon 
the dancers, forming an indescribably beautiful effect. 

There was a record attendance, which included the Grand 
Master with almost bis entire staff. All the arrangements 
were splendidly carried out by experienced brethren, each 
committee contributing to the general success. Bro. Abel 

S. Holcomb, Senior Warden, was chairman of the General 
Committee, of which B. W. George E. Wallen was treasurer. 
The floor was in charge of Bro. Han Body, who arranged the 
remarkable chromatic effects and maneuvred the marching 
dancers through a maze of intricate movements, including the 
spelling of “St. Cecile.” Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann directed 
the music, while “Uncle Jim” Curtin was in charge of the 
stage. E. W. George W. Hackenberger provided the beauti¬ 
ful decorations. 

At the communication of the third Tuesday in March the 
brethren were surprised to see the venerable Bro. Christian 

T. Plate (Ho. 42 on the roster) enter the room. Bro. Plate 
had long been absent in Germany, and had given no previous 
notice of his presence in America. As one of the original 
coterie who had originated the Lodge in 1865, Bro. Plate 
was welcomed by the Master as being the oldest living mem¬ 
ber. The Master presented him with a large bouquet of 
flowers and assured him of the love of all the brethren. Bro. 
Plate thanked the brethren, and said he was about to return 
to Europe, where he expected to end his days. W. James H. 
Curtin was this day presented with a handsome Past Master’s 
jewel, diamond studded, the occasion being the twentieth an¬ 
niversary of “Uncle Jim’s” affiliation with St. Cecile. Then 
M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers handed Bro. Curtin a morocco 
booklet in which were bound a great number of compli¬ 
mentary letters from his friends in the Lodge. There was 
an unusually large attendance, the Master Mason degree 
being the work of the day. Everybody remained to hear the 
splendid exposition of the historical legend, as explained by 


362 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


R. W. William J. Matthews. There was special music, which 
added greatly to the general enjoyment. 

During the sessions of the Grand Lodge, which convened 
on the first Tuesday of May, the east was occupied by Bro. 
Abel S. Holcomb, who conferred the Fellow Craft degree 
in faultless style. Visitors from afar were present, and all 
expressed wonderment at the magnificence of the new Ma¬ 
sonic building, which many now saw for the first time. Dur¬ 
ing the communication an appeal was made for the relief of 
the families of the musicians who met death in the great 
Titanic disaster, and a substantial contribution was given. 
Several other appeals were answered in like practical man¬ 
ner. A check was also ordered sent toward the new addition 
to the Children’s Building at the Utica Masonic Home. 

SPLENDID VISITATION TO NEWARK 

Those pleasant fraternal sentiments which had been ex¬ 
changed on the occasion of the visit of the Worshipful Mas¬ 
ter and Wardens of St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 193, Newark, 
N. J., early in the year, found practical expression 
in an invitation to “568” to pay a fraternal visit to Newark 
at some early day. The invitation was presented personally 
by W. Edward Issler, accompanied by the officers of his 
Lodge. The kind invitation was promptly accepted, and 
the Master appointed a committee to make the necessary 
arrangements. On Thursday, June 13, special cars were 
provided, through the courtesy of Bro. Oliver T. Boyd, of 
the Hudson River tunnel road, and at one o’clock in the 
afternoon about two hundred St. Cecilians left Twenty-third 
street. Others of the visiting party went over from the lower 
section of the city. At the terminal in Newark more than 
fifty automobiles, provided by “193,” were in waiting with 
one of the most noted cars in the State at the head of the 
procession. The first car was occupied by W. Edward Issler, 
of “193,” and W. Charles Miller Williams, of “568.” Headed 


1912] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


3G3 


by captains of police on motorcycles, the great caravan started 
through the crowded streets of Newark and out into the 
beautiful suburbs of the city. Passersby gazed in wonder¬ 
ment as, with traffic held up here and there, the long line 
of cars whirled by. Through the parks, over to the hills 
beyond, the procession made its way, and after an hour’s 
ride the party were driven to the Lodge rooms in Plane street. 
There was a brief session of the Lodge, the visitors being 
formally welcomed by the Worshipful Master. Then the 
entire assemblage repaired to the larger hall downstairs, 
where substantial refreshments were served. The harmoni¬ 
ous strains of an orchestra of fifty musicians, under the 
leadership of W. Edward Issler, added to the pleasure of 
the day. There were splendid songs by Bro. Arthur Cun¬ 
ningham, operatic baritone; Bro. Willian N. Cripps, lyric 
tenor; Bro. William Fullerton, Scotch tenor; Bro. Harry K. 
Rogers, balladist. Instrumental numbers were also con¬ 
tributed by Bro. Frank Wolf, xylophone, and others. M. W. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary of New York, on 
behalf of the visitors, presented to St. Cecile Lodge, No. 193, 
a handsome drumhead of regulation size, beautifully en¬ 
grossed, and containing possibly three hundred signatures 
of the officers and brethren of both Lodges, the whole in¬ 
closed in a shadow box. This unique gift was the thought of 
Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann as being an appropriate testimonial 
of the happy relations existing. R. W. George Loesch, on 
behalf of the New York delegation then presented to W. 
Edward Issler a handsome baton. Bro. William Poillon 
distributed souvenir medals commemorating the day. Among 
the dignitaries present were M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
R. W. August Eickleberg, R. W. George Loesch, R. W. John 
J. Dowers, R. W. George W. Hackenberger, R. W. Donald 
Gow, W. Harry A. Greene, and many others. All in all, it 
was a red letter day for both Lodges. 

M. W. Charles Smith, the newly elected Grand Master, 
announced his appointments in June, and it was noticed 


364 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


that St. Cecile Lodge had been honored by the appointment 
of Bro. John J. Dowers as a Grand Director of Ceremonies. 
This intelligence was received with a great deal of pleasure 
by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. A committee 
was appointed by the Lodge to properly clothe the new Bight 
Worshipful, which ceremony was performed at the first 
communication in July. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was 
the orator of the day. At the same communication W. C. 
Erank Shepard was called before the altar and made the 
recipient of a valuable gold watch as a testimonial from the 
Lodge. B. W. George W. Hackenberger, in making the pres¬ 
entation, referred to the untiring services of Bro. Shepard 
as Master of the Lodge in 1911, and complimented him on 
the success of the year. An interesting feature of the day 
was the lecture in the Eellow Craft degree, delivered by 
W. Gus Kobler, of Washington Lodge, Bo. 21. Of course, 
there was delightful music, vocal and instrumental, to top off 
the pleasantries of the day. 

The third Tuesday in July happened to fall on the seventy- 
eighth birthday of Bro. James B. Smith, the venerable Chap¬ 
lain of the Lodge. This fact became known to the Worship¬ 
ful Master, and Bro. Smith was agreeably surprised by 
the presentation to him of a beautiful bouquet of choice roses, 
with the wish that his days might be long extended among 
the friends he loved so well. 

There was a very enjoyable communication on the fifth 
Tuesday of July, when the Master Mason degree was con¬ 
ferred upon several proficient Eellow Crafts. The lessons 
of the historical legend were explained in a delightful manner 
by W. Ernest V. B. Getty, of Copestone Lodge, Bo. 641. 
Among the visitors from abroad was B. W. James Carver, 
Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge of England, who made 
a very happy address. Bro. Carver also showed his gener¬ 
osity by placing in the charity box an English sovereign. 
Bro. Willian B. Cripps contributed more than a little to the 
general pleasure by introducing to the brethren a quintet of 


1912 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


365 


male voices, and the vocal treat thus provided was voted the 
“best ever.” The Master also had the unexpected pleasure 
of welcoming to his home Lodge Bro. William B. Gross, of 
late years a resident of California. Bro. Gross, formerly 
well known in metropolitan theatrical circles, now occupies 
a position of importance in the town of Grossmont, which was 
named for him. This is considered one of the heauty spots 
of California. Bro. Gross is the author of “One Hundred 
and Forty-four Epigrams,” and other books of interest. 

REFERENDUM VOTING EXPERIMENT 

Several of the brethren, having in mind the success of the 
annual entertainments, and being of the opinion that a 
change would be acceptable to the brethren, proposed that 
the Lodge be summoned to properly consider making a radi¬ 
cal departure from former years, both as to the form 
of entertainment and as to the place of holding it. The 
Worshipful Master suggested that several forms of entertain¬ 
ment be placed before the members and a referendum vote 
taken, so that all might be heard on the subject. This was 
decided upon, and this card was sent to every member of the 
Lodge, requesting that he indicate his choice, and return the 
card to the Worshipful Master: 


First: Same style of reception and entertainment as in former years, at Terrace Garden, 
Tuesday, March 5, 1913. Gentleman and two ladies, $1.00. 


Second: Dinner and Dance, Terrace Garden, Tuesday, March 5, 1913. $2.50 each 
person. Guarantee, 250. 


Third: Dinner and Dance, Hotel Astor, dates in January or February. $3.50 each 
person. Guarantee. 300. 


Fourth: Grand Charity Ball. Reception and Exhibition Knight Templar Drill, in the 
12th, 22nd or 71st Regiment Armories, any of which are on the line of the subways and ele¬ 
vated railroads. 


Fifth: Do away with the annual Reception and Entertainment entirely, and substitute 
nothing in its place. 


It proved to be an interesting experiment, the majority of 
the brethren voting for the fourth proposition, which was 
afterward carried by formal vote of the Lodge in open meet- 







366 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


ing, and a committee appointed to arrange with similar com¬ 
mittees from the various Masonic bodies meeting in the city 
by daylight. A full account of this important enterprise will 
be found later in these pages. It should be noted in passing 
that referendum voting on any proposition is not the ordinary 
practice prevailing in Masonic Lodges. 

As the books of the Lodge had never been thoroughly ex¬ 
amined during the forty and more years of its existence, it 
was decided to have this done, and if necessary more equitable 
clerical methods introduced. A resolution was accordingly 
adopted, that, “In the matter of the hooks and accounts of the 
Lodge the Worshipful Master be given carte blanche in call¬ 
ing to his assistance any help he may need at the expense of 
the Lodge.” 

Although the weather during the summer was warm, at¬ 
tendance at Lodge meetings was fairly good, and at no time 
was there any lack of degree work. A number of theatrical 
brothers who had been out of the city for many months ap¬ 
peared at Lodge on their return, some of them bringing with 
them petitions for membership, and the work went steadily 
forward. Every communication found some one ready with 
a song or instrumental number, hence the interest never 
seemed to he lacking. Visitors from Europe, California, 
Philippines, Australia, and other distant places were with us 
frequently, assisting in the work, and enjoying the good 
fellowship found in St. Cecile Lodge. On one occasion the 
brethren also had the pleasure of hearing a fine lecture on 
the lessons of the historical legend, delivered by R. W. Albert 
Du Bois, president of the Masters’ and Past Masters’ Asso¬ 
ciation of the Sixth District. 

As the By-laws had not been revised for a number of 
years, a committee was appointed with a view to amending 
them to fit existing conditions. R. W. George W. Hacken- 
berger, chairman, together with W. Harry W. Entwistle, 
W. C. Frank Shepard, W. George Johnston and Bros. James 
Rainnie and John Maxwell composed the committee. 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1912. 
GRAND SWORD BEARER, 1914. 





1912] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


367 


Application was made to St. Cecile Lodge for the degrees 
by a gentleman residing in an adjoining State who had been 
rejected there because of the loss of a portion of the third 
finger on the left hand. A diagram accompanied the petition. 
After consulting competent authority on the subject, the 
Master accepted the petition, and no other fault having been 
found with the candidate, in due time he was elected to 
membership, and application made to the proper authorities 
for a waiver of jurisdiction. Without giving any particular 
reason therefor, the request was denied, and the gentleman 
was so notified. 

Agreeable to the instructions of the Lodge, the Worshipful 
Master visited the Masonic Home at Utica during the latter 
part of September. In making formal report to the Lodge 
at the following communication, the Master referred to the 
magnitude of this great charity, and called upon the brethren 
to lose no opportunity to visit the Home, and judge for them¬ 
selves as to its work. During the Master’s visit he had the 
pleasure of meeting the two brothers of the Lodge who reside 
there, William M. Thoms and Emil Recker. The Master 
also had a pleasant chat with R. W. William J. Duncan, in 
former years a faithful attendant at communications of St. 
Cecile Lodge. 

The Worshipful Master referred to some recent personal 
experiences and called the earnest attention of the brethren to 
the matter of spurious Lodges composed of clandestine Ma¬ 
sons. In some parts of the country it is reported that expelled 
members of the fraternity have been known to associate with 
these swindlers, who go to any length in their nefarious oper¬ 
ations. The Master warned the brethren to exercise every 
care in dealing with strangers without properly issued cre¬ 
dentials, who represent themselves to be worthy brothers of 
the craft. 

Late in October a short memorial service was held in the 
Lodge room for those who had died during the year. The 
Worshipful Master referred to each one, individually, with 


368 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


a few words of commendation and regret, after which there 
was appropriate vocal and instrumental music, and the 
reading of a passage of Scripture. The ceremony was im¬ 
pressively given and among visiting brethren was R. W. 
Frank E. Lyons, of Kingston, Jamaica. 

Perhaps no Master of St. Cecile Lodge has ever been 
more generally beloved for his charities than was W. David 
H. Agan (Master in 1886), who died November 6, at the age 
of sixty-four years. For nearly forty years he had practiced 
medicine among the poor of the lower East Side, devoting 
practically all his time to the relief of the distressed, al¬ 
though his services were constantly in demand by those who 
have more of this world’s goods, residing in more aristocratic 
surroundings. His very name was synonymous with good 
deeds, and he left a record which is stainless. Bro. Agan was 
raised in Evening Star Lodge, No. 75, Watervliet, but affil¬ 
iated with St. Cecile Lodge in 1882. Masonic funeral serv¬ 
ices were held at the residence by the Worshipful Master, 
assisted by the brethren. The attendance was large. The re¬ 
mains were afterward taken to Troy, where the brethren of 
Evening Star Lodge, at the request of St. Cecile, took charge 
and performed the last sad rites. The Lodge adopted resolu¬ 
tions, which were handsomely framed and presented to the 
widow. 

The first Tuesday of November being a public holiday, 
there was no communication. On the following Tuesday, 
however, the Lodge was specially summoned for the Fellow 
Craft degree. Among the distinguished visitors was R. W. 
George Freifeld, Deputy Grand Master, who quietly entered 
the Lodge by a side door, unnoticed by the brethren. The 
eye of the Worshipful Master spied him, however, and he 
was promptly presented to the brethren and welcomed in the 
east with the honors due his high and exalted station, where 
he made a very felicitous address. 

The case of a brother of the Lodge, lying in a hospital in 
California, appealed to the brethren, and a hundred dollars 


1912] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


369 


was promptly sent to repay the Board of Relief for their 
outlay. Owing to the illness of R. W. John J. Dowers, and 
at his request, the chairmanship of the great charity ball 
was transferred to W. Harry A. Greene, who, addressing the 
Lodge on the plans under way, reported progress. R. W. 
John J. Dowers agreed to serve as treasurer of the enterprise. 

In all large organizations whose membership is gath¬ 
ered from every direction it is a matter of general regret that 
occasionally one is found too weak to resist temptation, when 
placed in some position of trust. By failure to fulfil with 
integrity the confidence reposed in him by his fellows such 
a man not only brings discredit upon himself, but very often 
upon the organization as well. When the offense is further 
aggravated by an affected nonchalance under circumstances 
which properly should be met with contrition rather than in¬ 
difference, it is difficult to extend any practical sympathy. 
It is passing strange that St. Cecile Lodge, so forgiving, so 
generous, should have had the unpleasant experience of deal¬ 
ing with two such unfortunate cases during this year, both of 
which resulted in expulsion after fair trial. 

A communication was received from Centreville Lodge, 
Ho. 648, calling attention to the devastation wrought by a 
recent tornado, and requesting financial assistance in rebuild¬ 
ing their home, which had been destroyed. As the request 
was regular in every way, the Lodge promptly sent a contribu¬ 
tion. The Masonic fair being held in Brooklyn also appealed 
to the brethren, and a check was sent there. Several well 
known brethren were reported as ill and in distress, and a 
liberal donation was made for their relief. 

R. W. Moses Altmann, District Deputy of the Seventh, 
made his official visit on the first Tuesday of December. 
In honor of the occasion a handsome photo-engraving of the 
Grand Master’s representative was sent to every member of 
the Lodge, with the formal call to the communication. It was 
one of the “big days” of the year. The District Deputy, who 
was accompanied by a large delegation of members the 


370 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


Square Club, was presented at the altar by R. W. George 
Loesch, P. D. D., and after the Master’s salutation, was es¬ 
corted to the east, where he was welcomed in a manner be¬ 
fitting his high station. Bro. Altmann’s very instructive 
address had to do with the “Ornaments of the Lodge,” and 
his remarks were listened to with marked attention. During 
the refreshment hour there was a delightful concert by Bros. 
Ernest F. Erdmann, Leonidas Verona, Max Friedman, Alfred 
Fasano and Bruno Pfeiffer, quintet; songs by Bros. William 
Fullerton and William H. Cripps, and by special request a 
violin solo by Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann. W. Harry Alton 
Bussell played piano accompaniments with his usual skill. 
The Master Mason degree was conferred on the constitutional 
number, after which the lessons of the historical legend were 
explained in an instructive lecture delivered by M. W. Robert 
Judson Kenworthy, P. G. M. There was a large attendance. 

Brethren of the Lodge, together with the officers, joined 
with Harlem Lodge, Ho. 457, in a church service held at the 
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, on the third Sunday of 
December. Constantine Commandery, Ho. 48, formed an 
escort of uniformed Knights, with brass band, assisted by 
other commanderies of the city, and there was a very large 
attendance, which filled the spacious building to its limit 
while perhaps a thousand were unable to gain admittance. 
Rev. Dr. Karl Reiland, pastor of St. George’s, preached a fine 
sermon, Masonic principles being his topic. 


ANNUAL LADIES’ DAY ENTERTAINMENT 

St. Cecile ladies’ days are famous all through Masonic 
circles in the metropolis as being among the most thoroughly 
enjoyable functions of the entire Masonic year. Invitations 
are eagerly sought, and once obtained nothing is permitted 
to stand in the way of the ladies attending the matinee. 
One year’s performance varies but little from another, so 
that the charm can scarcely be said to lie in the mere witness- 


1912] 


OF ST. CEVILE LODGE. 


371 


ing of a stage performance. The chief attraction may be 
the fact that this day is a ladies’ day. The fair ones have 
it all to themselves, and if any man can get into the hall on 
these occasions he may he deemed a very fortunate individual 
if he be permitted to remain, because the attendance of ladies 
is so great that late comers are often compelled to go away, 
being unable to gain admittance. On the occasion of this 
year’s ladies’ matinee souvenir plates, bearing the name of 
the Lodge, were distributed as the ladies entered the Grand 

i 

Lodge Hall. Seventeen hundred were disposed of, one to 
each ticket of admittance, which is several hundred more than 
the seating capacity of the hall. Two handsome little girls, 
dressed as pages in costumes of silk, distributed programmes. 


THE PROGRAMME 

Overture.St. Cecile Orchestra 

Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, conductor. 

Address of Welcome.W. Charles Miller Williams 

Dorothy Kenton.Banjo Selection 

Bro. Harry Iv. Rogers, Miss Olga Unnever and Miss Ruby Cowan. .Songs 

Bros. Hussar, Appel, Wilse and Drugman.String Quartet 

Miss Florence Crosby.Contralto 

Mr. E. Zervillio.Cymbal 

Mr. Chester Morris.Fancy Dancing 

Miss Clara Cubitt.Comedienne, with Song 

Mr. Louis Appel.Xylophone Solo 

Mr. Edgar Allen .Bass 

Mr. Bert Earl.Banjo Selection 

Miss Georgia Parker.Soprano 

Bro. William N. Cripps and Miss Parker.Duet 

Messrs. Andre and Pardue.Fancy Dancing 

Bro. William Fullerton.Scotch Ballads 

The Great Mackay.Musical Mimic 

Mr. Tom Penfold.Songs 

Bro. A1 Jolson .Songs 

Knickerbocker Trio .Popular Melodies 

Georgette .Character Songs 

Sid Siderman .Violin Solo 

Conroy and Le Maire.Musical Comedy 

Bro. “Seltzer” Waters .Monologue 


Stage, direction W. James H. Curtin 
Pages, Miss Elsie Begiebing and Miss Bessie Miller 

























372 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1912 


Light refreshments were afterward served in the Masonic 
Club, and all voted the day as “the best ever.” 

The matinee was under the direction exclusively of the 
junior officers of the Lodge, Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, Junior 
Warden, chairman, and they vied with each other in the 
performance of their duties. 

At a subsequent communication letters of thanks were 
ordered sent to the various artists who had volunteered on 
“Ladies’ Day,” and also to the Messrs. Steinway, who gen¬ 
erously loaned the Lodge a beautiful two-thousand-dollar 
grand piano for the occasion. A letter of thanks was also 
addressed to the officers of the Scottish Kite for courtesies. 

The special order of business at the second communication 
of December was consideration of the proposed amendments 
to the By-laws, as recommended by the committee having the 
matter in charge. These were adopted as a whole. Among 
the more important amendments, entirely new to St. Cecile 
Lodge, was one proposed by the Worshipful Master bonding 
the Secretary and the Treasurer each in the sum of $2,000. 
Another important matter was the adoption of a resolution 
loaning to the great charity ball, now under way, of the sum 
of one thousand dollars, so that the contemplated arrange¬ 
ments might go forward without any hitch by reason of lack 
of funds. It is proper to state at this time that this 
money was all returned to the Lodge treasury in due time 
by the committee. 

During the progress of a busy year, the membership re¬ 
ceived additions to the musicians, among them: Bros. Max 
Pfeiffer, Herbert Spencer, Louis Rossi, Ferdinand Eonte- 
nella, Paul Yartin, John C. Magovern (Clarence West), 
Ernest Hussar, Alfred Langstaff, Joseph B. Shadduck, Ber¬ 
nard Schmidt. The actors, Bros. William Holden Maxwell, 
Philip Kaufmann, Franklyn Roberts, William N. Cripps, 
Albert Jolson, Benjamin McNally, Howard Anderson, David 
Wark Griffith, Leon Rogee, Bernard F. Woods, Oscar Lee 
Hickman, Adolph Pfitzenmyer (Mike Kelly), Alfred K. Hall. 


1913] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


373 


Other theatrical brethren, George Leffler, manager; Walter 
Lewis, Frank Felder, George I. Field, Bernard Quatrochi. 
Bro. John J. Leary, editor, affiliated; Louis Bouillon, 
school director, affiliated; Albert C. Boy, dentist. Mercan¬ 
tile pursuits, Bro. George J. Lindemayer, Abraham Purisch, 
Edward J. Grathwohl, Willie B. Broughton, Arthur Liplich, 
Louis Moes, Frederick W. Schulenherg and others. 

Everything considered, the year had been one of unusual 
importance and there was a net gain of twenty-six in member¬ 
ship. For one thing, the whole system, or lack of system, in 
managing the financial affairs of the Lodge had been thor¬ 
oughly revised for the first time since the constitution of the 
Lodge. 


1913. 

W. Abel Sutherland Holcomb (Physician)—Baised in 
St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568, July 20, 1909. Appointed Junior 
Deacon in 1910; Senior Deacon in 1911; elected Senior 
Warden in 1912; elected Worshipful Master in 1913; elected 
Trustee in 1914. 

Twenty-seven years had elapsed since the Lodge had for 
its chief officer a physician, and the induction of Bro. Hol¬ 
comb as Master was welcomed as reviving tender memories 
of a generation before, and of the beloved physician whose 
recent demise was still fresh in the minds of the brethren. 
Bro. Holcomb’s administration was characterized by a quiet 
dignity, a strict fidelity to the standard work, and a fine 
appreciation of the fraternal spirit that made degree days 
a source of genuine pleasure. The Lodge is a gainer in 
many respects from such admirable influences. Bro. Hol¬ 
comb is the fifth native son of Pennsylvania to become Mas¬ 
ter of St. Cecile Lodge, and he was the second physician, the 
first being Dr. David H. Agan, in 1886. Bro. Holcomb 
was born at Lehigh Tannery, Carbon County, Pa., on August 


374 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


21, 1867. He acquired a substantial education in the public 
and private schools of Pennsylvania and Plainfield, U. J., 
and in 1894 graduated from the Hew York University with 
high honors. He afterward graduated from the Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, and has successfully practiced 
medicine in the metropolis ever since. The genial doctor is 
a popular member of the Square Club and the Masonic Club. 

Discussion of the recently adopted amendments to the By¬ 
laws took up a portion of communications during the early 
months of the new year. Several very practical suggestions 
for improvement were advanced by various brothers. B. W. 
George Loesch, looking ahead to the celebration of the fiftieth 
anniversary in 1915, proposed an amendment, finally 
adopted, which advanced the annual dues from $6 per an¬ 
num to $7, one dollar of which was to be set aside annually 
for three years in a fund to be known as the “Fiftieth Anni¬ 
versary Fund.” The initiation fee was to be $76 in 1913, 
$77 in 1914, and $78 in 1915; affiliation $26 in 1913, $27 
in 1914, and $28 in 1915. The amounts over and above the 
usual fees were to be added to the “Fiftieth Anniversary 
Fund.” It was estimated that in this manner possibly $2,000 
would be available for “celebrating” purposes in 1915. R. 
W. George W. Hackenberger proposed an amendment mak¬ 
ing the salary, of the Secretary $600 per year, payable quar¬ 
terly, and doing away with all “donations,” as in former 
years. This amendment was also adopted, as were several 
other changes of minor importance. 

Bro. David C. Paterson was the first to be removed by 
death in the new year. He had been in failing health for 
a long time, and when the summons came he was ready. The 
Worshipful Master, in announcing the passing of Bro. Pater¬ 
son, sent out to each member of the Lodge a circular letter, 
in which he described him as “a man of gentle and retiring 
nature, true to the teachings of our fraternity, carrying out 
of the Lodge in his daily walk those great moral principles 
which are inculcated in it.” To this may be added that Bro. 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1913. 












































1913 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


375 


Paterson was beloved by all with whom he came in contact. 
The Masonic service was read by the Worshipful Master, 
and the last sad ceremony was attended by a large assemblage 
of sorrowing friends. Other deaths which occurred early 
in the year were Bro. Max S. Friedman, February 19, and 
Bro. Edward S. Drugan, which occurred the following day. 
Bro. Drugan was a man of engaging personality, who had 
been for years a trusted employee of a large theatrical firm. 
He suffered from a fractured leg and injuries affecting the 
spine. After lingering for months in agony, which was 
borne with heroic fortitude, he finally closed his eyes forever. 
The Masonic service was given in the Renaissance Room, and 
was beautifully rendered. There were several vocal numbers 
and instrumental music by quartet and organ. 

The following week the brethren were summoned to attend 
the Masonic funeral ceremonies in honor of W. John Edward 
Morse (1889), who succumbed to the infirmities of age Feb¬ 
ruary 26. Bro. Morse was a printer of the old school, who 
had the distinction of originating and publishing the first 
Jewish newspaper in England. Afterward making his home 
in Hew York, he became a member of St. Cecile Lodge, and 
was well known as a Mason of more than ordinary erudition. 
He excelled in the ritual, and knew all the peculiarities of 
the English and Scottish work. For many years he never 
missed a communication, and was a familiar figure at his 
post as the revered Chaplain of the Lodge. He died at the 
age of eighty. 

Death removed another old member, Bro. John W. Peck, 
Active Honorary, early in March. Bro. Peck was formerly 
an actor, and affiliated from Putnam Lodge, Ho. 338, thirty- 
four years previous to his death, almost to the day. In the 
latter years of his life he resided in Hew Jersey, hut was a 
frequent visitor at communications. 

A pleasing innovation in the opening ceremonies at Lodge 
communications was introduced by W. Harry Alton Russell, 
the talented organist, who composed original music appro- 


37G 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


priate for such occasions, which was beautifully sung by 
Bro. William N. Cripps. This feature added much to the 
impressiveness of the service. 

THE GREAT CHARITY BALL 

Much interest was naturally centered in the great Masonic 
Charity Ball, given under the auspices of St. Cecile Lodge, 
No. 568; Corinthian Chapter, No. 159, B. A. M.; Columbian 
Council, No. 1, R. & S. M.; and Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 
36, and which was held in the spacious quarters of the Sev¬ 
enty-first Regiment. It is estimated that more than 6,500 
persons attended, among whom were practically all the mem¬ 
bers of the Grand Lodge Staff, including the Grand Master, 
and many honored brethren of other jurisdictions. The drill 
hall was appropriately decorated, and every detail carefully 
arranged, so that the evening passed without a hitch to mar 
the enjoyment of all. The early portion of the evening was 
given over to Templar drills and the formal reception of dis¬ 
tinguished guests, including the executives of Lodge, Chapter, 
Council and Commandery, also of Mecca Temple, A. A. O. 

N. M. S. Then came Mrs. May M. Gooderson, Grand Matron, 

O. E. S.; R. E. T. Henry Dumary, Grand Commander, K. 
T.; M. I. Herbert W. Greenland, Grand Master, R. & S. M.; 
M. E. Frederick W. Culler, Grand High Priest, R. A. M.; 
and, finally, M. W. Charles Smith, Grand Master, attended 
by numerous members of his staff. After all these, with 
their illustrious attendants, had been seated, Colonel William 
G. Bates and staff, of the Seventy-first Regiment, were re¬ 
ceived. A review of the marching columns of sir knights 
followed, and then came the grand march, led by W. Abel S. 
Holcomb, Worshipful Master of St. Cecile Lodge. The floor 
directors were W. James H. Curtin, Bros. Dan Dody and 
Herbert E. Johnston. The dance music was furnished by 
the St. Cecile Orchestra of sixty musicians, under the direc¬ 
tion of Bro. Ernest E. Erdmann, while the promenade music 


1913] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


377 


was under the supervision of Bro. Lambert Eben, Seventy- 
first Regiment Brass Band of sixty-five pieces. The entire 
arrangements were directed and carried forward by an Ex¬ 
ecutive Committee, of which W. Harry A. Greene, of St. 
Cecile Lodge, was chairman. R. W. John J. Dowers was 
treasurer, with Bros. Harry C. Jones and James T. Petty, 
secretaries. Other of the Executive Committee were R. W. 
George E. Wallen, Treasurer of St. Cecile; Bros. Ernest F. 
Erdmann, George H. Thomas, Frank S. Rix, Roy C. Spong, 
Martin Q. Good, William B. Tindie, William Scherer, W. 
Knight Vernon, Edwin R. Knox, Abel S. Holcomb, Charles 
Groesch, James Stewart, Chauncey E. Goodrich and Frank 
C. Wardell, representing the various matinee bodies. As the 
result of the well directed efforts of the committee a sum of 
over fifteen hundred dollars was handed to the Grand Master, 
being the first contribution from any organization toward 
the establishment of a fund for the elimination of the indebt¬ 
edness on the property owned by the fraternity in the metrop¬ 
olis. Ho little credit is also due the ladies of the Eastern 
Star, who were indefatigable in their efforts for the success 
of the enterprise. 

Third degree day in March was largely attended, and 
proved to be a communication of unusual interest. M. W. 
Edward M. L. Ehlers delivered the historic lecture, and his 
explanation of the lessons of the legendary story was lis¬ 
tened to with marked attention by all. A number of musi¬ 
cians were on hand, as usual, and a string quintet played. 
During the afternoon the Fellow Craft team appeared in 
their new costumes, and were complimented on the precision 
with which they performed their duties. Bro. Isaac Frieden- 
berg, having rounded out the allotted thirty years of con¬ 
tinuous membership in the Lodge, was this day elected 
as an Active Honorary, and congratulated on his vigorous 
health, despite advancing years. Fifty-seven years had 
passed since Bro. Friedenberg was raised in Hew Orleans, 
La. He was on this occasion the happy recipient of many 


378 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


manifestations of the esteem in which he is held by the 
brethren. 

An animated discussion arose as to the time, place and 
character of the 1914 annual social function, and the matter 
was finally referred to R. W. George E. Wallen, R. W. 
George W. Hackenberger, R. W. John J. Dowers and R. W. 
George Loesch. After carefully considering the matter from 
every angle, the committee later recommended that the “an¬ 
nual entertainment and ball for 1914 follow the same general 
characteristics made popular in former years,’’ and it was so 
decided by the Lodge. 

In the matter of fraternal reciprocity nothing can be more 
substantial, perhaps, than the way it is carried out by our 
good brethren of St. Cecilia Lodge, Ho. 865, of Chicago. 
One of our Entered Apprentices, a popular actor, was located 
in their city for a brief engagement, and requested permis¬ 
sion to obtain the Fellowcraft degree in St. Cecilia Lodge 
should this work chance to be on the trestle-board, with a 
vacancy in the team. The Worshipful Master of St. Cecilia, 
upon the request being made known, immediately called a 
“special” for the express purpose of conferring this degree 
upon our brother, as it was found inexpedient to change the 
work already laid out. In appreciation of the numerous 
instances of these kindly acts by St. Cecilia, a set of resolu¬ 
tions was adopted in March containing the strongest expres¬ 
sions of our good will. 

A letter was received from Olive Branch Lodge, Ho. 816, 
St. Louis, Mo., extending felicitations to St. Cecile Lodge of 
Hew York, and explaining the methods of work in vogue in 
Missouri, which were patterned largely upon those which 
had proved so popular in St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 568. The 
Secretary was instructed to convey the congratulations and 
good wishes of the brethren to this rising and popular 
“matinee” Lodge. Brethren finding it convenient when 
visiting St. Louis were requested to attend the communica¬ 
tions of Olive Branch. 


1913] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE . 


379 


To safeguard the Lodge in the admission of candidates a 
committee, consisting of R. W. George Loesch, R. W. George 
W. Hackenberger, R. W. John J. Dowers, R. W. George E. 
Wallen and Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, was appointed, whose 
duties were to personally pass on the merits of candidates 
as presented to the committee by proposers. 

Winter always brings numerous reports of illness among 
the brethren, and the Worshipful Master, being a physician, 
was kept busy attending the calls of suffering brethren. 
Among those thus disabled were Bro. William J. White, who 
finally sojourned in Sullivan County, with lung trouble; Bro. 
Samuel J. Marsh, ill at his home in Harlem; Bro. Melville 
Stewart, suffering with rheumatism; Bro. William T. Fran¬ 
cis, ill in Connecticut. 

BIG VISITATION OF NEW JERSEY BRETHREN 

The last Tuesday of April was set apart for the entertain¬ 
ment of visiting brethren from St. Cecile Lodge, of Newark. 
The guests of the day were welcomed in the Grand Lodge 
Room by a large assemblage. The visiting delegation num¬ 
bered about a hundred, and was led by W. Edward Fancher, 
who was formally presented by R. W. George E. Wallen. 
Among those welcomed were R. W. William H. Morgan, first 
Master of No. 193; R. W. William H. Howard, Grand Chap¬ 
lain; W. H. M. Townley and W. James Mills, with a delega¬ 
tion from Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 88, Paterson, N. J. Among the 
distinguished brethren of our own jurisdiction were R. W. 
George Freifeld, Deputy Grand Master; M. W. Edward M. 
L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary; R. W. George R. Van De Water, 
Grand Chaplain; R. W. Moses Altmann, R. W. William J. 
McGaw, R. W. August Eickelberg, R. W. Stephen D. Affleck, 
R. W. John Spence, and many others. A pleasant feature 
was the presentation to W. Abel S. Holcomb of a framed 
heart-shaped set of resolutions, the handiwork of W. Edward 
Fancher, as indicating the brotherly love existing between 


380 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


the brethren of the two Lodges. There was oratory aplenty, 
interspersed with stirring music by St. Cecile band. 


PROGRAMME. 


Opening March... j ... .“National Emblem” 

Overture . “Festival” 

March Militaire.“Hail to the U. S. Army” 

Tenor Solo.“Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes” 

Bro. T. Harland Fudger, of Harmony Lodge, No. 438. 

Toronto, Cannda. 

March Fantasy.“Old Black Joe” 

(First time played.) 

Baritone Solo .“The March of the Cameron Men” 

W. George Fleming. 


Characteristic Reverie 


“Sliding Jim” 


Trombone oddity. 


Finale 


“Stars and Stripes Forever” 


Personnel of the hand: 


Cornets— 

Nicola Del Negro, 
Edwin G. Clarke, 
John Kroupa, 

John G. Pfeiffer, 
Arthur Wedel, 

Harry Venezia, 

Horns— 

Richard Lindenhahn, 
Fred La Croix, 

Carl Wolff. 

Tuba- 

Jack Richardson. 


Clarinets— 

David Fink, 

Ferdinand Fontenella 
George Kampe, 
Giuseppe Deleo, 

Charles W. Freudenvoll, 
Saxaphone— 

Maxwell A. Davidson. 
Flute— 

Arthur C. Berry. 
Trombones— 

Gustav A. Myers, 

Fred Blodgett, 

Edward Lang. 

Baritones— 

Archimede, 


Drums— 

George Maurer, 

Robert Kiesow. 

Conductor, 


Alexander 
Alexander Finnie. 
L’O. Ernest F. Erdmann. 


After the programme the brethren adjourned to the ban¬ 
quet rooms on the lower floor, where the guests were served 
with refreshments. Those who volunteered to entertain the 
diners included Bro. William Fullerton, tenor; E. J. Ap¬ 
pleby, banjo; Miss Clara Cuhitt, songs; Alexander Mack, 










1913] 


OF ST. OEOILE LODGE. 


381 


amusing monologue. Later in the evening the officers of St. 
Cecile, No. 193, were entertained at dinner in the Masonic 
Club. 

Various suggestions looking to the elimination of the in¬ 
debtedness upon the magnificent metropolitan property 
owned by the fraternity of the Empire State have from time 
to time occupied the attention of the officers of the Grand 
Lodge, and finally M. W. Charles Smith, Grand Master, de¬ 
cided to make a practical move toward this desirable end. 
Perhaps the success of the great charity ball, originated and 
carried to a successful conclusion by St. Cecile Lodge, and 
which was the means of placing in the Grand Master’s hands 
over fifteen hundred dollars, had something to do with his 
decision, hut at any rate the Grand Master sent out a circular 
letter to the members of the fraternity in the State, calling 
upon each individual to contribute at least $7.00 toward the 
elimination of the debt. After hearing the Grand Master’s 
letter a resolution was adopted that each brother of the Lodge 
be required to pay the amount mentioned, and to make pay¬ 
ments easy, as suggested by the Grand Master, installments of 
$1.40 for five years were permitted. Some of the brethren 
thought that the Lodge should pay this quota in full from 
the treasury, and the brethren were summoned to discuss the 
matter. It was then decided that each brother should pay 
his pro rata share, the same as annual dues. 

Bro. William M. Thoms, formerly editor of the Amer¬ 
ican Art Journal and other publications, died at the Masonic 
Home in Utica, on May 15, and was buried in the Home 
plot. Bro. Thoms as a boy was famous as a violinist, and he 
also possessed a voice of rare quality. He became the founder 
of The Journal of the Day, said to be the only musical daily 
newspaper ever published (1870-71). He was afterward 
editor of the Musical Monthly, and published the magnificent 
work known as “The World of Art—Its Eminent Men and 
Women.” This superb publication brought him the en- 


382 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


thusiastic commendation of the best journals of Europe and 
America, for the scholarly style of the text and its superb 
printing. The rooms of the American Art Journal were 
for years a veritable salon, where the most famous painters, 
musicians and singers met. Mr. Thoms was very popular 
with this coterie of celebrities and was the means of bringing 
before the public for the first time many of those who after¬ 
ward became famous. Bro. Thoms married a lady known 
throughout the world as an eminent pianist and singer, who 
was a lineal descendant of General Israel Putnam of Revo¬ 
lutionary fame. In his Masonic life Bro. Thoms exemplified 
some of the most commendable tenets of our fraternity. 

OCCUPY COLONIAL ROOM FOR FIRST TIME 

It having been determined to remove to less expensive 
quarters in the Masonic Hall, the Trustees reported that the 
Colonial Room was available, and it was decided by formal 
vote of the Lodge to meet in that room thereafter, thus saving 
several hundred dollars in the annual rental expense. The 
first communication in the Colonial Room was held on the 
third Tuesday in May. There were no special services on 
account of the removal, and the brethren apparently waited 
to see how the new quarters suited before commenting on 
the change. A pleasing feature of the occasion was the round¬ 
ing out of thirty-five years’ membership in St. Cecile Lodge 
by W. Charles H. Govan, who was raised May 21, 1878. The 
Worshipful Master referred to his long and honorable record, 
and the brethren crowded about him with congratulations. 

The first communication in June was notable for an un¬ 
usually interesting second degree. Those who appeared for 
the degree included Bro. John H. Bunny, Bro. A1 Jolson, 
Bro. Charles Emmett, Bro. David Stamper and Bro. Charles 
J. Dryden, all of whom are well known in the theatrical 
world. The lecture in the second section was delivered by 
W. Charles Haller, of Ionic Lodge, Ho. 486, who used col- 


1913] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


383 


ored slides very effectively. Some consternation was caused 
by the discovery that two of the candidates had vanished 
after the conclusion of the first section. They were notified 
to present themselves on the next second degree day. 

Intelligence of an accident which befell R. W. George E. 
Wallen while haying at his farm in Ulster County caused a 
general feeling of regret. He was removed to the hospital 
at Tuxedo, where a prompt operation probably saved his 
life. Bro. Wallen, who is Eminent Commander of York 
Commandery, No. 55, had made every preparation to attend 
the annual sessions of the Grand Commandery, in Albany, 
but was thus denied that pleasure. After some three weeks 
of skillful treatment he was enabled to resume his duties 
in New York. 

Bro. Victor Baravalle, who had been quite ill, was reported 
as being convalescent; Bro. William Lawrason was reported 
ill, as was Bro. Louis Waechter. Bro. William W. Hatch 
was taken suddenly ill in Baltimore and removed to a hos¬ 
pital, where he died, it was reported, from diphtheria. Bro. 
Edward M. Lang was reported as being on the sick list. The 
death of Bro. Reuben Withers (No. 167), who was raised in 
St. Cecile Lodge January 16, 1877, removed from the mem¬ 
bership one of the old school musicians, formerly well known 
in the metropolis. He was a close relative of Bro. Frederick 
Widdows (No. 1), the first Master of the Lodge. He was a 
brother of William Withers, of B. B. French Lodge, who 
led the orchestra in Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D. C., the 
night of President Lincoln’s assassination. For many years 
the two brothers had a store in the upper section of the city. 
Masonic funeral services were held by the Worshipful Mas¬ 
ter and the brethren in the Episcopal Church at Rye, N. Y. 

“Flag Day” was celebrated by patriotic music and exer¬ 
cises in keeping with the occasion, on June 17, as being the 
nearest communication to the public holiday. Cards con¬ 
taining patriotic songs were distributed among the brethren, 
and each one wore on the lapel of his coat a miniature Ameri- 


384 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


can flag. Bro. Bernard Tiemann delivered an address on 
“The American Flag, Its Origin and Meaning,” and there 
was a strikingly natural representation of the “Spirit of ? 76,” 
contributed by Bro. James Pierce (Franklin Lodge), drum; 
Bro. Arthur Berry, fife; Bro. Frank Wolf, drum; Bro. 
John G. Pfeiffer, flag hearer. The entrance of these brothers 
in costume, playing a martial quickstep, created great en¬ 
thusiasm among those present. Besides the singing of patri¬ 
otic songs by the entire assemblage, there was a fine instru¬ 
mental quartet—Bros. John G. Pfeiffer, Vincent Miano, 
Louis Kramer and Gustav A. Myers. Bro. Frank Wolf con¬ 
tributed a xylophone solo and Bro. Arthur Berry played 
several flute selections. “The Star Spangled Banner,” sung 
by the brethren, accompanied by the several instrumentalists, 
was a fitting close to a very enjoyable communication. 

At the first communication in July there were present 
and assisting in the work of the day the three brothers Mann 
—Samuel, Kathan D., and Louis—all of whom have been 
members in continuous standing for more than a quarter of 
a century. Owing to the exigencies of the theatrical busi¬ 
ness, regular attendance of these brothers has been at times 
somewhat uncertain, but they have never lost their love for St. 
Cecile. Many years had elapsed since all three had found 
it possible to attend Lodge simultaneously, and congratula¬ 
tory sentiments were expressed by the Worshipful Master 
and officers. The lessons of the historical legend were beau¬ 
tifully explained by K. W. Moses Altmann. 

SUMMEE OUTING, INCLUDING THE LADIES 

This year it was decided to change the custom of former 
years, and have an outing to which the ladies might be in¬ 
vited. A committee was appointed, of which Bro. Leon 
Baradet was chairman. They selected Wednesday, July 23, 
as the time, and the place Fort Lee, N. J., for an afternoon 
of field sports and the gratification of the inner man. After 





WOODLAND PICNIC AND DANCE IN 1913. 








1913] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


385 


a bounteous repast, the prizes were presented, and the evening 
was spent in dancing. 

Through the fraternal courtesy of Olive Branch Lodge, 
Ho. 576, St. Louis, Mo., Bellow Craft Alfred K. Hall of St. 
Cecile was, at the request of St. Cecile Lodge, raised to the 
sublime degree of Master Mason. By special invitation M. 
W. Jacob Lampert, Grand Master of Missouri, was present 
and assisted in the work. There was a band of twenty-five 
musicians, and all sorts of “talent” to entertain the brethren. 
There was a luncheon, and in the evening the Lodge was 
invited to the theatre as the guests of Bro. Hall and Bro. 
Harry C. Jacobs, star and proprietor respectively of the 
show. By direction of the Lodge, a letter of thanks was sent, 
under seal, expressing the appreciation of St. Cecile Lodge. 

W. Abel S. Holcomb, accompanied by Secretary Williams, 
visited the Masonic Home in Utica early in September, and 
the Worshipful Master afterward advised every brother of 
the Lodge to lose no opportunity to visit that splendid institu¬ 
tion, when convenient. As a public charity, it is commend¬ 
able in every way, and reflects the greatest possible credit 
upon the fraternity of the State for its maintenance. 

Among the visitors welcomed by the Worshipful Master 
was W. James McGregor, of the Lodge of Lights, No. 
148, Warrington, England, who spoke on topics of interest. 
Bro. William Fullerton, who was preparing to sail for Scot¬ 
land, was given bon voyage. 

On motion of K. W. John J. Dowers, it was decided to 
discontinue the paper receipts for dues and issue in their 
stead a neat card, suitable for carrying in a card case. 

At the first communication in October W. Charles Miller 
Williams was called to the altar and presented with a valu¬ 
able gold ring, set with diamonds and ornamented with Ma¬ 
sonic characters, including the Lodge crest, made after an 
original design drawn by B. W. George W. Hackenberger. 
The formal presentation was made by M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers, Grand Secretary, in a highly complimentary address. 


386 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


This being a third degree day, the session was largely at¬ 
tended, and the brethren had the pleasure of listening to the 
historical legend as explained by R. W. William J. Matthews 
in his best style. There was a fine concert contributed by 
Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, violin; Bro. Emile Maestre, of La 
Fraternidad Lodge, ’cello; W. Harry Alton Russell, piano, 
and Bro. Alvah E. Nichols, baritone. Many Grand Lodge 
officers and other well known craftsmen were present. 

INTERESTING VISITATION BY THE DISTRICT DEPUTY 

Visitation by the District Deputy is an occasion of much 
interest in St. Cecile, and the first Tuesday in December 
was therefore set apart as a day to honor R. W. Norman 
Wilmer Chandler, who made his formal visit to the Lodge as 
the Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh District. Bro. 
Chandler was attended by a large delegation from the Square 
Club. The scholarly and dignified address of the District 
Deputy was full of practical suggestions on topics of interest 
to the brethren, and at the conclusion the Worshipful Master 
presented him with a check for $928.20, being the first in¬ 
stallment of the pro rata for the elimination of the debt on 
the metropolitan property. R. W. George Freifeld, Deputy 
Grand Master, was announced in waiting, and was greeted 
with an enthusiastic welcome. Bro. Freifeld’s address held 
the undivided attention of all, and he was warmly applauded. 
Then came the great surprise of the day, which was a fitting 
climax to the remarks of the Deputy Grand Master, and 
M. W. Charles Smith, Grand Master, unexpectedly entered 
the Grand Lodge Hall escorted by M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers, Grand Secretary, and followed by M. W. Robert 
Judson Kenworthy, P. G. M. The presence of so many 
distinguished Grand Lodge officers was a compliment to the 
Master and to the Lodge. The Grand Master spoke earnestly 
of the subject nearest his heart, and his affable remarks 
were greeted with much enthusiasm. “This is the way I 


1913] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


387 


long have sought,” said the Grand Master pleasantly, as 
Bro. Chandler handed him the Lodge check. Among the 
candidates of the day for the third degree was Bro. John 
H. Bunny, a noted “movie” actor, and as he walked down 
the main aisle during refreshment, arm in arm with Bro. 
Marshal P. Wilder, the “Prince of Entertainers,” there was 
much merriment at the contrast in the physical proportions 
of the pair. The work of the third degree was performed 
in the best style of the Lodge officers, after which the brethren 
had the pleasure of hearing the lessons of the historical legend 
rendered in an entertainingly instructive manner by M. W. 
Bobert Judson Kenworthy, P. G. M. The labors of the day 
were interspersed with stirring music by an orchestra of 
twenty musicians, under the direction of Bro. Ernest E. 
Erdmann. 

One week later the ladies took possession of the Grand 
Lodge Hall, the occasion being the recurrence of the annual 
ladies’ matinee. The programme included Miss Dorothy 
Magna, dances; Miss Clara Cubitt and Bro. Arthur Behim, 
duets; Hungarian Orchestra, Bro. Ernest Hussar, conductor; 
H. S. Thompson, song; Miss Margaret Hussar, aria from 
“The Prophet”; Edward Berger, parlor acrobatics; “St. 
Cecile’s Trip to Europe,” descriptive, by the St. Cecile Or¬ 
chestra; Miss Elsa Raunser (Mrs. Raunser, accompanist), 
violin solo; Bro. William Fullerton, Scotch ballads; Bro. 
Alvah E. Nichols, baritone; Miss Sabary D’Orsell, prima 
donna, aria from “Lucia,” Miss Elsa Lincke, accompanist; 
Bro. Leon Rogee, imitator of musical instruments; “Jasper,” 
the dog who thinks, exhibited by Mr. Dixey Taylor; Mr. Bert 
Williams, in his inimitable compositions; Bro. Emile Maes- 
tre, ’cello. The whole terminating with portraits of officers 
of the Lodge projected on the screen. Members of the 
committee were R. W. George Loesch, R. W. John J. Dow¬ 
ers, W. Harry A. Greene, Bros. Ernest F. Erdmann, Charles 
H. Davis, Charles Peppel, William R. Hunn, Alvah E. 
Nichols. From all who were fortunate enough to get into 


388 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


the hall there was nothing blit praise, and the matinee was 
voted a great social success. 

Quite a number of business men have found it congenial 
to mingle with the theatrical and newspaper brethren, among 
whom may be noted the following who joined since 1906: 
Bro. John C. Shields, merchant; Ben Zuckerman, salesman; 
Horace B. Miller, secretary; Harry Winfield, collector; 
David S. Bellows, merchant; Peter W. Hess, confectioner; 
Joseph F. Silvers, salesman; Henry Orange and Samuel 
Orange, costumers to the theatrical profession; William 
Beebe, salesman; Sydney M. Auer, George M. Alexander 
and Louis Perlman, salesmen; Frank S. Bix, coal mer¬ 
chant; Henry M. Friedman, insurance ; David L. C. Hover, 
mining engineer; Karl H. Driggs, salesman; Emil C. Jessu- 
run, photographer; Elias S. Lewis, Edward J. Grathwohl, 
salesmen; Korman L. Pollard, draughtsman; William A. 
Dulait, hotel steward; George W. Monell, agent; David 
Pindyck, grocer; Frederick H. Renner, paraphernalia; Wil¬ 
liam Thompson, superintendent; Robert L. Hatch, merchant; 
Thomas Benton Wilgus, lawyer; Harry Levi, traveling 
agent; George J. Lindenmayer, manager; Abraham Pursch, 
manufacturer; Willie R. Broughton, Pullman conductor; 
Max Kahn, trimmings; Charles Battat, furs; Claude R. 
Fox, our proficient Senior Deacon, is a funeral director; 
Harry G. Wilson, Eugene C. Schwab, restaurant managers; 
Milton S. Rice, sign painting; Milton S. Kistler, real estate; 
Charles Merisch, grocer; Thomas Berger, bridge builder; 
George W. Washburn, fire insurance ; William F. Gray, sta¬ 
tionery; William Ross, restaurant; Carl Magdalin, salesman; 
Jacob Karlin, furniture; William S. White and Alexander 
McPhee, building inspectors; Richard Patzowsky, leather; 
Robert Irvine, decorator; James W. Walker, lawyer; John 
Miraglia, cloaks; Archie R. Kerr, mercantile agency; Arthur 
Liplich, traveling salesman; Edward Harris, dry goods; 
Carl Schaetzer, rare perfumes; Ernest Thorne, bank care¬ 
taker ; Edward J. Horwath, public accountant; Travers H. 


1913] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


389 


Dreyfuss, manufacturer lingerie; Ernest J. Fisher, Pullman 
conductor; George Morton Levy, lawyer; John Lloyd Bar- 
num, telegrapher; Shepard Gibson Barclay, editor; George 
B. Byrd, president coal company; John J. Leary, editor; 
John J. Moran, writer; Louis E. Taussig, hardware; Al- 
pheus C. Matthews, superintendent; Charles N. Whinston, 
architect ; Philip Greene, insurance ; John Valentine, railroad 
agent; Arthur Selig, traveling salesman; Vonce de Leon 
Skip worth, railroad traffic manager; Max Weisenfeld, manu¬ 
facturer; Samuel Altschiller, restaurant; Arthur P. Cohen 
(E. A.), Henry L. Cohen, cigars; Edwin M. Kapp, A. W. 
Faber Pencil Company; Martin D. Pollock, chemist; Philip 
Dreher, dry goods; Arthur C. Schoenewaldt, chemicals. The 
above will give a fair idea of recent additions to the roll. 

Newspaper men naturally join St. Cecile Lodge because 
the hours of meeting are convenient for their regular attend¬ 
ance. Being accustomed to the intellectual trend of mind, 
also, has something to do with their aptitude for ritualistic 
activity. For many years the morning paper printers have 
been conspicuous in the offices of the Lodge, no less than 
twelve out of thirty-three Masters having been disciples of 
“the art of arts.” During the last seven years the following 
have been received into the membership: Bro. Alfred 
O’Donoghue, now in real estate business; James H. Dahm, 
William E. Hunn, James A. O. Kalston, Irving W. Wiggin, 
Henry A. Peters, William Fullerton, the Scotch tenor; Wil¬ 
liam Lawrason, Louis A. Payne, Horace L. Ball, James E. 
Richardson, Andrew V. Markey, Jules Franck, Samuel J. 
Marsh, Francis Van Tassell, John W. Ramsay, Christian A. 
Moe, Charles W. Reed, John B. Adkins, Ben. J. Geiger, 
Walter C. Johnson, Herbert H. Hollister, Frederick W. 
Adolph, Walter J. Miller, Walter fitting, George B. Addison 
and DeForest E. Kamerer. 

Disciples of the medical profession find in St. Cecile Lodge 
relief from the cares of a trying occupation. The air of 
cheerfulness which is usually present has a tendency to soothe 


390 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1913 


nervous tension, and many doctors have their membership 
with the “matinee” lodge. Among those who have joined of 
recent years may be noted: W. Abel S< Holcomb, who served 
as Master during the year 1913, after working upward 
through the various offices from the smallest position; Dr. 
Herman F. Hordemann, Dr. Hyman Male, Dr. Charles 
Brendler, Dr. Ira Brewster Terry, Junior Warden; Dr. Vic¬ 
tor C. Pedersen, formerly of York Lodge, Ho. 197; Dr. Ed¬ 
ward W. Pinkham, well known surgeon; Dr. George L. 
Schaub, formerly of Emanuel Lodge, Ho. 654. Then there 
are the dentists, Dr. Charles E. Smith and Dr. Albert C. Roy. 
Bro. Louis Moes is a druggist, as is also Bro. William F. 
Silvers. 

A review of the year disclosed the following: Gain: 
Elected to membership, 23; initiated, 29; passed, 36; raised, 
34; affiliated, 1; total, 35. Lost: By death, 8; suspended for 
nonpayment of dues, 17; total, 25. Het gain for the year 
was therefore ten, making total membership 673. During 
the year there had been 28 regular communications, 9 special 
and 6 emergent. In accordance with the new provisions of 
the By-laws, the books of the Lodge were critically examined 
by certified public accountants, who reported $11,485.53 
total funds in bank. 

The annual meeting was held on the 30th of December, 
when the various reports were submitted for the approval of 
the brethren. M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers kindly consented 
to preside during the election and installation. Officers were 
moved up in regular rotation, and Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann 
was elected as Worshipful Master without opposition. The 
Treasurer and Secretary were re-elected. W. Abel S. Hol¬ 
comb was added to the Board of Trustees, the term of R. W. 
John J. Dowers having expired. 


1914] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


391 


1914. 

W. Ernest Frederick Erdmann (Musician)—Raised in 
St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, April 7, 1903. Appointed Junior 
Deacon, 1908; Senior Deacon, 1909; elected Junior Warden 
in 1912; Senior Warden in 1913; Worshipful Master in 
1914. Trustee in 1915. 

The tenth musician to occupy the Master’s station in St. 
Cecile Lodge was W. Ernest Frederick Erdmann. No mu¬ 
sician ever performed his duties as chief officer of the 
Lodge with greater fidelity than he, nor with more practical 
success. At no time has Bro. Erdmann ever been known 
to spare himself in the performance of duty. At all times, 
frequently under circumstances entailing pecuniary loss, 
Bro. Erdmann has been at the call of the Lodge for his 
services as musician and director of orchestra. For many 
years he has provided duos, trios, quartets, in short, any¬ 
thing and everything from an individual personal contribu¬ 
tion to brass band or full orchestra, as occasion required. 
He has remained awake nights writing the music or arrang¬ 
ing the details for all sorts of Lodge entertainments, and all 
has been done as a labor of love. It is just such generous 
service that makes St. Cecile Lodge famous. Bro. Erdmann 
is a member of the various Masonic bodies, such as Colum¬ 
bian Council, Corinthian Chapter, Ivanhoe Commandery, 
Mecca Temple, the Masonic Club, the Square Club, etc. He 
is a regular contributor to the musical journals of the day, 
and is a popular official of the Musical Union and other 
musical organizations. 

One of the first important matters which attracted the 
attention of the Worshipful Master in 1914 was the annual 
entertainment. Realizing the advantage of an early start on 


392 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


the preliminary work, the Master appointed a large General 
Committee, of which Bro. William Boyd T indie, Junior 
Warden, was made chairman. 

An exceptionally interesting third degree was given the 
latter part of January. The lessons of the historical legend 
were admirably explained by B. W. Moses Altmann, P. D. 
D., and there were exceptional musical features of a very 
pleasing nature. Bro. Alvah E. Nichols, Senior Deacon, 
favored with several line baritone solos. Then there was a 
capable orchestra, composed of Bro. Martin Van Praag, 
violin; Bro. Arthur Berry, flute; Bro. Giuseppe Deleo, clari¬ 
net; Bro. Henry Van Praag, ’cello; Bro. John Kroupa, cor¬ 
net; Bro. Alexander Finnie, trombone; Bro. Bruno Pfeiffer, 
bass. In addition to other selections, there were “Forsaken,” 
flute solo; Titl’s “Serenade,” for ’cello, and “The Rosary.” 
Among the distinguished guests of the day were the venerable 
R. W. Stephen D. Affleck, P. D. D., of the Seventh; R. W. 
Edward C. Rushmore, R. W. John Schreyer, and other well 
known Masons of the metropolitan district. 

A communication bearing the signatures of a number of 
the District Deputies, was received and read for the benefit of 
the brethren, calling attention to the convention to be held 
by R. W. Horace W. Smith, Grand Lecturer, for the purpose 
of exemplifying the ritualistic work of the several degrees. 
The brethren of the Lodge were urged to attend these meet¬ 
ings and thus obtain valuable pointers on the standard work. 

Intelligence of the death of Henry C. Peakes was re¬ 
ceived in January, and the old timers recalled the magnifi¬ 
cent bass who had so often entertained the Lodge in the years 
gone by. The death of Frederic Bond, a well known and 
popular actor, was announced also. Both of these artists 
had formerly been members of St. Cecile Lodge, and at one 
time were greatly esteemed by the brethren. Thomas Ebert 
also died about this time. 

An interesting letter from Bro. John C. Denham was read, 
describing the experiences of the old warriors during the fire 


1914 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


393 


in the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, at Steuben, H. Y. Many 
escaped from the burning building with nothing more than 
their lightest clothing. 

R. W. George E. Wallen, the efficient Treasurer of the 
Lodge, who is also Eminent Commander of York Com- 
mandery, Ho. 55, K. T., led the hosts of merrymakers at 
the Hotel Savoy in February, on the occasion of the forty- 
first annual reception of the Commandery. Bro. Wallen 
was complimented by having his photograph published in 
the newspapers, together with a flattering biographical sketch 
of his Masonic career. 

Bro. “Jimmy” Smith came into the Lodge room all smiles 
on March 3d, the occasion being his fiftieth birthday as a 
Master Mason. The Worshipful Master congratulated him 
on his recovery from his recent illness, and expressed the 
hope that he would be enabled to occupy his seat as Chaplain 
for many years to come. Just forty-eight hours after receiv¬ 
ing the congratulations of the Master and brethren on his 
recovery from a seemingly harmless illness on the occasion 
of his fiftieth anniversary as a Mason, Bro. James B. (af¬ 
fectionately known as “Uncle Jimmy”) Smith closed his 
eyes in the sleep which knows no earthly awakening. His 
last thoughts were of the Lodge he loved so well. Uotice 
to attend the funeral was sent to the brethren, and a large 
number attended despite the inclement weather, but owing 
to some objection of relatives the Masonic service was not 
given. 

A good deal of harmless fun was had at the expense of 
the several brethren who were trying to conduct an auction 
sale of boxes for the annual entertainment and hall, to he 
given at Terrace Garden on March 18. R. W. George 
Loesch, Bro. William Boyd Tindle and others vied earnestly 
in disposing of tickets, and managed to bring in a neat sum 
toward swelling the receipts. 

Bro. William G. Newman (225), who signed the By-laws 
March 20, 1883, and Bro. William Bayne (232), who signed 


394 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


the By-laws October 2, 1883, having completed more than 
thirty years consecutive good standing in the Lodge, were 
made Active Honorary Members, and received the con¬ 
gratulations of the brethren. 

Owing to the absence of Bro. Frank C. Higgins, who had 
been scheduled to deliver a short lecture on Masonic topics, 
his place was taken by Bro. John G. Purdie, vice-president 
of the Magian Society, who gave an interesting talk on the 
“Antiquity of Masonry.” The balance of the day was largely 
given over to completing arrangements for the St. Cecile an¬ 
nual entertainment. 

All the newspapers gave detailed accounts of the big social 
function given by the Lodge at Terrace Garden on Wednes¬ 
day evening, March 18. Some of them contained photo¬ 
graphs of the Worshipful Master, Ernest F. Erdmann, with 
interesting accounts of his activities. The “annual” was 
fully up to any of its predecessors in point of beauty of 
decoration, stage performance, music and general enjoyment. 
Guests of prominence included M. W. Charles Smith, Grand 
Master; M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary; R. 
W. William H. Miller, Grand Treasurer; R. W. Horman 
Chandler, District Deputy; and a great number of well 
known members of the Grand Lodge and their families. 
Bro. Victor Baravalle conducted the orchestra during the 
performance, and Bro. Gustav A. Myers wielded the baton 
during the grand march. The several orchestra leaders 
present alternated in conducting the music during the later 
hours of the evening. Bro. William Boyd Tindle was the 
efficient chairman of the General Committee, with Bros. 
Archie R. Kerr, chairman of Talent; W. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
chairman of the Reception Committee; R. W. George W. 
Hackenherger, chairman of the Committee on Decoration; 
W. Abel S. Holcomb, chairman of the Floor Committee, 
assistants, Bros. Dan Dody and William F. Boettler; R. W. 
George E. Wallen, treasurer, and Bro. William R. Hunn, 
secretary. 


1914 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


395 


The near approach of the fiftieth anniversary of the 
Lodge was referred to by the Worshipful Master early in 
the spring, and a committee to form the nucleus for a 
larger one to be appointed later was announced. Those 
named included R. W. George Loesch, chairman; all Past 
Masters of the Lodge, and the two Wardens. A meeting to 
organize was called for an early date. In this connection it 
was decided that the Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations should 
take place late in the fall of 1915, and that the usual enter¬ 
tainment and reception should be held Monday, January 
18, in order that the one should in no wise conflict with 
the other. 

Accepting an invitation by the Rev. William H. Morgan, 
D. D., a good sized crowd of St. Cecilians was present at 
divine service in Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church on the 
evening of June 7. Added to the splendid music of the 
regular church choir was instrumental music furnished by 
St. Cecilians of both Newark and New York City. The 
church was crowded, and the St. Cecilians assisted the regu¬ 
lar church ushers in taking up the offerings of the faithful. 

On the same day that the one hundred and thirty-third 
annual communication of the Grand Lodge was convened 
at two in the afternoon on the first Tuesday of May, St. 
Cecile Lodge met at its usual hour, and after transacting 
necessary routine business, a recess was declared by W. 
Ernest F. Erdmann to permit the brethren who desired to 
witness the opening ceremonies, which was a brilliantly im¬ 
posing scene. Among the distinguished visitors at St. Cecile 
this day was R. W. Otto W. Volger. 

PLEASANT VISITATION TO NEW JERSEY 

The famous drumhead was finally completed with shadow 
box, and pronounced ready for final delivery to St. Cecile 
Lodge; No. 193, Newark, N. J. On Thursday afternoon, May 
21, a large delegation entered special cars on the Hudson Tun- 


396 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


nel system, and were quickly transported to Newark. There 
they were escorted to the Lodge rooms. On the way from the 
depot, a stop was made at a convenient spot, and a group 
photograph taken. After the formalities were concluded in 
the Lodge room everybody adjourned to the larger hall, where 





York w&rartipfol jl . 3*^ 

— Charles Miller William^ 

|SfyCCtiUQ3 ani> (Oery fraternal 7 Wi>f) to cur kfoM fi-etfjren of 


-TDMIF8&B£ <JUinS 53 a 

v ISI2 > 





they were entertained with speeches and music, interspersed 
with good “eats.” An orchestra and brass hand of about fifty 
instruments, under the direction of W. Edward Issler, played. 
Interesting addresses were made by R. W. William H. Mor¬ 
gan, first Master of “193”; R. W. James C. Howard, Grand 
Chaplain; R. W. Vermilye, W. Edward Issler, W. Charles 
Miller Williams, W. Edward Eancher, W. Ernest E. Erd¬ 
mann, and others. Pictures of the drumhead and the “heart” 
were distributed, and each one received a unique souvenir 
















1914 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


397 


of a copper penny, three inches in diameter, suitably in¬ 
scribed, and suspended by a blue ribbon. There were songs 
by Bro. Schoetlin, of “193”; Bro. William Fullerton, Bro. 
Harry Rogers, “568”; Bro. Burkley, of St. Cecilia Lodge, 
Ho. 865, Chicago; with Bro. Louis A. Lesure, “568,” at 



the piano. Bros. Charles Friedenberg and William Roach 
also contributed, to the fun. 

Bro. Louis Baer, Jr., having been a faithful and consistent 
member of the Lodge for more than thirty consecutive years, 
was duly made an Active Honorary Member. 

When the appointments of the Grand Master were pub¬ 
lished this year it was found that W. Charles Miller Wil¬ 
liams, Secretary of the Lodge, had been appointed Grand 
Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge. At the communication 


398 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


of June 16 the new Right Worshipful was escorted into the 
Lodge by R. W. George Loesch, and after being formally 
welcomed by the Worshipful Master, was received in the east 
with grand honors. R. W. George Loesch, R. W. George W. 
Hackenberger, R. W. George E. Wallen, R. W. John J. 
Dowers, W. Abel S. Holcomb and W. Harry A. Greene were 
named as a committee to properly clothe the honored recipi¬ 
ent of the Grand Master’s favor. The first Tuesday of July 
was set apart for the ceremony. 

Though all was gay socially, the hand of the Reaper was 
heavily felt. Bro. John H. Dahm, of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 
288, a consistent brother of the craft for more than fifty 
years, died March 20, at the age of seventy-five. He was 
the beloved father of Bro. James H. Dahm, of St. Cecile 
Lodge. Bro. James W. Walker and Bro. Charles W. Walker 
had the sympathy of a large circle of friends in the death 
of their mother, which occurred early in March. Bro. George 
I. Field and Bro. Herman Field lost their father by death, 
and received many expressions of sympathy from the breth¬ 
ren. The angel of death continued to strike with appalling 
swiftness, and Bro. Louis J. Friedenberg (297) passed into 
the shadows of the life beyond. He was the eldest son of 
Bro. Isaac Friedenberg, and brother to Philip S., Jacques S. 
and Joseph I., all members of the Lodge. Masonic funeral 
services were held at Salem Fields, in the presence of a large 
number of mourning friends and relatives. R. W. George 
Loesch read the service by special request, and there was a 
quartet composed of Bros. Carl. Wolff, Fred.La Croix, Eric 
Hauser and August Wagner, with brass instruments playing 
soft music. Bro. Alvah E. Nichols sang a baritone solo. 

The latter part of April the brethren were summoned to 
attend the Masonic funeral services held over the remains 
of Bro. Joseph L. Henning (168), formerly Treasurer of 
the Lodge. The deceased had been ill for some time, and 
passed away at “Maplehurst,” the residence of his daughter, 


1914 ] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


399 


about three miles northeast of Ossining, in the Pocantico 
Hills. The funeral was attended by W. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
W. Charles Miller Williams and Bro. John McElroy, of St. 
Cecile Lodge. Brethren of other lodges also attended. 
Owing to the difficulty of reaching the residence, but few of 
the Masons turned out. The Master gave a short Masonic 
service, immediately following that of the church and the 
burial was in the family plot in Dale Cemetery. Bro. Hen¬ 
ning was at one time a man of affluence, with a taste for art 
and music. He gathered in his city home curios from every 
corner of the earth. He was for years devoted to St. Cecile 
Lodge, only relinquishing interest when the infirmities of 
fourscore years compelled it. 

W. Harry A. Greene, of the Monster Charity Ball Com¬ 
mittee, reported that the total amount realized from the ball 
had been $1,529.66, and that this sum had been turned over 
to the Grand Master. Bro. Christopher E. Dietrick of Ful¬ 
ton Lodge, Ho. 195, Westwood, N. J., presented the Lodge 
with a handsome enlargement of the Newark group picture, 
and received a formal vote of thanks for his generous cour¬ 
tesy. During the afternoon there was a concert by Bro. Nicola 
Del Negro, Adrian Schubert, and W. Harry Alton Bussell 
at the piano. Bro. William A. Galpen and Bro. Finch, of 
Newark Lodge, No. 7, also contributed songs and stories. 

The annual visitation of the Worshipful Master to the 
Masonic Home at Utica was made the latter part of June. 
One of the brothers of the Lodge who had died this year 
left to the vicissitudes of life two small boys. The Lodge 
applied for their admission to the Utica Llome, and a condi¬ 
tional permission was granted. The Worshipful Master took 
these hoys with him, and turned them over to the care of 
the superintendent. On his return, the Worshipful Master 
gave a vivid description of his visit to the Home and of the 
favorable impressions which that magnificent institution had 
left upon his mind. 

Certainly the Lodge Secretary had good cause to be happy 


400 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


on the first Tuesday of July. That day must go down in 
the annals of the Lodge as “R. W. Charles Miller Williams 
Day.” There was no degree work, and the entire day was 
given over to honoring Bro. Williams. The Lodge was 
opened with the usual ceremonies, during which the Templar 
Quartet chanted the Lord’s Prayer. Delegations began ar¬ 
riving early, and quickly filled the room, which was hand¬ 
somely decorated for the occasion. M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers, Grand Secretary, was warmly welcomed by the Mas¬ 
ter, and received in the east with appropriate honors. A 
great number of Grand Lodge officers and Masters came, fol¬ 
lowed by nearly half a hundred members of the Square Club, 
acting as escort to the Grand Sword Bearer, who entered the 
room escorted by R. W. George Loesch. 

M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, in behalf of the Worshipful 
Master and brethren of the Lodge, then presented Bro. Wil¬ 
liams with a handsome and expensive apron and solid gold 
jewel, properly inscribed. The Grand Sword Bearer was 
then escorted to the east and received with grand honors. 
After an address of thanks by Bro. Williams, and just at 
its conclusion, the Grand Master entered, and was presented 
by R. W. George Loesch, after which he was escorted to his 
proper station. The Grand Master made very compli¬ 
mentary allusions to the Grand Sword Bearer, which were 
enthusiastically applauded by the friends of the honored one. 
There was a fine orchestra of fifteen men, under the direction 
of Bro. Louis Baer, and many flowers added to the beauty 
of the scene. The Lodge was closed in short form, and the 
brethren were entertained with a splendid programme. 
Among those contributing were: The Templar Quartet, 
Bro. Orin R. Dudley, songs; A1 Wallman, Sam Lewis and 
Sam Dody, comicalities; Bro. Thomas Boyd MacQueen, 
tenor; Bro. William A. Galpen, songs and stories; Bro. 
William Fullerton, tenor; Bro. William Robyns, monologue; 
W. George A. Fleming, baritone; Bro. Harry K. Rogers, 
songs; Bro. Arthur Behim, songs. Refreshments were served 


1914 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


401 


in the Masonic Club, at which nearly one hundred and fifty 
sat down. Later in the evening Bro. Williams gave a dinner 
at Mouquin’s to all the Past Masters, the District Deputy of 
the Seventh and the Grand Master, at which covers were laid 
for fifteen. The entire party were afterward guests of R. W. 
George E. Wallen at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. 

MID-SUMMER EVENING SPENT NEAR THE SEA 

On motion of B. W. John J. Dowers, it was resolved to 
hold a seashore outing at Brighton Beach. The enterprise 
finally took the form of a dinner and dance, to he followed 
by seats at the theatre. William Boyd Tindle, William R. 
Hunn, W. Abel S. Holcomb and W. Harry A. Greene, R. W. 
John J. Dowers, R. W. George W. Hackenberger and R. W. 
George Loesch were the committee, and Tuesday evening, 
August 25th, was the accepted date. The function was called 
“A Midsummer Hight’s Dream,” but it proved to be very 
real and very enjoyable. About one hundred ladies and gen¬ 
tlemen of the Lodge gathered at the Brighton Beach Casino, 
where a section of the spacious veranda overlooking the sea 
had been reserved. The tables formed a hollow square, and 
during the intervals of the shore dinner dancing was in¬ 
dulged in by the brethren and their fair friends. Bro. Mau¬ 
rice Levi and his famous band furnished the music. After 
partaking of an excellent shore dinner, the diners wended 
their way into the Music Hall, where several brethren of 
the Lodge were appearing on the bill. The entire evening 
was spent by the sea, and will be remembered for the pleasant 
informality of the occasion. 

During August, Bro. James H. Brough, who had been 
a member of the Lodge for nearly twenty years, made ap¬ 
plication for a dimit to join a new Lodge being formed in 
Broderick, Saskatchewan. The dimit was sent with best 
wishes for the success of the new Lodge. 

Bro. Carl Henry Michaels (E. A.) was reported as being 


402 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


desperately ill, and had been taken to the Adirondacks for 
treatment. He lingered until November 29, when he died. 
His body was brought to his residence in Freeport, L. I., 
and there the brethren gathered to give him the last sad 
honors. In the latter part of September Bro. James M. 
Embree laid to rest his faithful wife. A letter expressing 
the sympathy of the brethren was sent. Bro. John A. Nickel 
was reported ill and confined to the Post-Graduate Hospital. 
Fortunately he soon recovered. Bro. William Collins Marsh 
died October 8, after a lingering illness. Church services 
were held at his residence in Brooklyn on Saturday evening, 
10th inst., and Masonic funeral services were given Sunday 
morning, after which several of the brethren attended the 
interment at Greenlawn. The sudden death of Bro. Arthur 
Cyril Gordon Weld shocked his many friends October 11. 
He was driving an automobile near West Point, when he 
suddenly collapsed and fell lifeless at the feet of his wife. 
Masonic funeral services were given in the Central Presby¬ 
terian Church, at which there was appropriate music by an 
orchestra of nearly fifty men, all of whom had at one time 
or another played under the baton of Bro. Weld, and most of 
whom were members of St. Cecile Lodge. The remains were 
taken to Woodlawn for interment. Bro. Weld was a musician 
with an international reputation as a conductor of light 
opera. On the day of Bro. Weld’s funeral Bro. Max Pfeiffer 
was hurt in an automobile accident in Long Island, but for¬ 
tunately escaped serious injury. 

An appeal to the Great Architect to bring to a speedy close 
the terrible war in Europe was sent out from the Grand 
Lodge, and was read in all .the Lodges of the State. The 
brethren of St. Cecile were deeply stirred by the noble senti¬ 
ments expressed therein. On this day a substantial contri¬ 
bution was made to the Red Cross Society, in aid of their 
truly humanitarian work in Europe. 

The annual dinner of the Square Club at the Hotel Astor 
was attended by many St. Cecile brethren. Invitations 


1914 ] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


403 


to attend divine service were received from Bepublic Lodge, 
No. 690; from Naphthali Lodge, No. 752, and from Harlem 
Lodge, No. 457, all of which received the attention of the 
brethren. A few days before Thanksgiving baskets were dis¬ 
tributed to several deserving widows of deceased brethren, 
which were greatly appreciated by the recipients. Bro. A1 
Jolson also contributed baskets of Thanksgiving cheer. Bro. 
Wendell P. Bishop, now residing in New Jersey, requested a 
dimit to affiliate with Bising Star Lodge, No. 109, as the 
hours of his employment prevented his attendance at after¬ 
noon communications. 

ST. CECILE GOES TO WASHINGTON 

Agreeable to an invitation received from King Solomon’s 
Lodge, No. 31, a delegation composed of W. Ernest F. Erd¬ 
mann, B. W. Charles Miller Williams, Bros. Joseph Davidoff, 
Ben. J. Geiger, and Adalbert Klockgieser journeyed to Wash¬ 
ington, D. C., the first Tuesday of November for the purpose 
of making a fraternal visit to King Solomon’s Lodge, No. 31, 
the “matinee” lodge there. The St. Cecilians were met at the 
railroad station by a committee of twelve representative 
citizens, headed by W. William H. Singleton, president of 
the Board of Trade, and other members of the local lodge, 
and taken in automobiles for a tour of the city and its 
suburbs. After several hours spent in this manner the visi¬ 
tors were escorted to the Hotel Hudson for a most enjoyable 
banquet. Covers were laid for sixty, and the seating was 
so arranged that the New Yorkers were distributed about the 
table with members of King Solomon’s Lodge on either hand. 
There were numerous addresses of an informal character, 
marked with good fellowship. Following the banquet an 
hour was spent in the Congressional Library, under the 
personal guidance of Bro. William B. Bedell, Senior War¬ 
den, together with other brothers of the fraternity. The 
party wound up its session at Harvey’s, where the gathering 


404 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


broke up at a late hour. Bright and early the next morning 
a committee from King Solomon’s Lodge took charge of the 
New Yorkers, and many points of interest were visited. In 
the afternoon the St. Cecilians were guests of honor at the 
communication of King Solomon’s Lodge, on which occasion 
the Grand Master and his staff made their annual visitation. 
Bearing large bouquets of handsome roses, the St. Cecilians 
entered the Lodge room and were welcomed by W. James T. 
Casebeer in a speech full of pleasing epigrams, to which W. 
Ernest F. Erdmann made suitable response. Fine addresses 
were also made by M. W. T. John Newton, Grand Master; 
W. William H. Singleton, of King Solomon’s Lodge; Bev. 
C. P. Sparling, of Daylight Lodge, No. 760, Louisville, Ky.; 
Bro. Waldo Warland Stevens, St. Paul Lodge, Ayer, Mass.; 
Bev. J. Henning Nelms, Bev. Hugh T. Stevenson, W. Delos 
W. Thayer, and others. Vocal and instrumental music was 
contributed by talented brethren of the Lodge. Among those 
present were M. W. Charles E. Baldwin, P. G. M., District 
of Columbia; M. W. Nichols, P. G. M. of Texas. Bro. 
Joseph Babcock, of “568,” who was a resident of the District, 
very happily joined the St. Cecile party, as he said it re¬ 
minded him of “home.” 

REMARKABLE FUNERAL CEREMONY AT NYACK 

On the day set apart all over our land to render thanks 
to the Great Architect for His manifold blessings, there 
passed away in Nyack, N. Y., Bro. Frank A. De Bona, 
formerly well known to all St. Cecilians, who was raised in 
St. Cecile Lodge, Dec. 5, 1893. He was laid to rest on 
Sunday, November 29, and by request of W. Ernest F. 
Erdmann, the officers of Bockland Lodge, No. 723, conducted 
the arrangements for the funeral. The Worshipful Master 
and twelve members of St. Cecile Lodge attended. As the 
brethren, over a hundred strong, in dark clothes and white 
aprons, passed through the streets from the Masonic Temple 




WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1914. 





















































































































































































































































































1914 ] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


405 


to the residence, they attracted much attention. The solem¬ 
nity of the ceremonies were greatly enhanced by instrumental 
music by a quartet of St. Cecile brethren, and at the conclu¬ 
sion of the service the procession wended its way to the 
cemetery on the hill overlooking the placid waters of the 
Hudson, where the remains were laid at rest. All praise 
is due the Worshipful Master and officers of Rockland Lodge 
for the truly Masonic spirit displayed in thus assisting St. 
Cecile Lodge at short notice to pay a final tribute to a worthy 
deceased brother. 

“District Deputy Day” came the first Tuesday of Decem¬ 
ber, and the Lodge was assembled at twelve o’clock noon, in or¬ 
der that necessary routine business might be disposed of 
before the arrival of the guests of the day. This included the 
appointment of a committee to take up the preparatory work 
of the regular annual entertainment and reception, to be 
held early in the new year. A vote of thanks was tendered 
Mrs. C. Frank Shepard for the very artistic manner in 
which she had repaired and improved the Lodge banner. 
Then the distinguished visitor of the day was announced, 
and R. W. William Wallace Grant, District Deputy of the 
Seventh District, was presented by R. W. George Loesch 
and escorted to the east. Members of the Square Club ac¬ 
companied the District Deputy, and were cordially welcomed. 
The address of Bro. Grant attracted unusual interest, and at 
its conclusion the Worshipful Master handed him a check for 
$928.20, being the second installment of the Lodge’s con¬ 
tribution to the Grand Lodge pro rata fund. The District 
Deputy thanked the brethren for their generosity, and after 
examining the books and accounts, expressed his pleasure at 
the manner in which the business of the Lodge was being 
conducted. 

The first section of the Master Mason degree had been 
conferred upon candidates in waiting during the earlier hours 
of the communication, and labor was now resumed. The 
lessons of the historical legend were explained in an interest- 


406 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


ing manner by the Rev. Bro. William H. Morgan, D. D., 
Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, who was also 
the first Master of St. Cecile Lodge, No. 193. Delightful 
music, rendered by the St. Cecile Orchestra of fifteen men, 
under the leadership of Bro. Gustav A. Myers, added to the 
pleasures of the day. 

One of the agreeable features of the day was the presenta¬ 
tion of a valuable diamond scarfpin to W. Abel S. Holcomb, 
Worshipful Master in 1913. R. W. George W. Hacken- 
berger spoke of the valuable services rendered by Dr. Hol¬ 
comb, and of the dignity with which the affairs of the Lodge 
had been conducted under his administration. Bro. Holcomb 
thanked the brethren for the esteem which had taken so beau¬ 
tiful and practical a form, and expressed his pleasure at serv¬ 
ing the Lodge. Then M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, on behalf 
of many friends, formally presented to R. W. George Loesch 
an expensive set of Haviland china, being a wedding present 
from the brethren. Bro. Loesch thanked the Lodge in a 
modest speech for the many evidences of esteem which he 
had received in the past, and declared this surpassed all. 

No year would seem complete without the annual Ladies’ 
Matinee, usually held the second Tuesday of December. 
Although the weather had been stormy for three days pre¬ 
ceding the date set, the Grand Lodge Hall was well filled 
with the fair guests, who were gracefully welcomed by the 
Worshipful Master. A first-class vaudeville performance 
was then presented, special numbers being contributed by 
Edward Turkislur, ’cello; Clarence M. Ernst, basso; Bro. 
Alvah E. Nichols, baritone; a splendid instrumental sextet 
by the popular Brown Brothers, and amusing moving pic¬ 
tures by Bro. George H. Thomas. During the day the St. 
Cecile Orchestra of eighteen men, under direction of Bro. 
Victor Baravalle, discoursed delightful music. W. Harry 
Alton Russell presided at the great organ with artistic skill. 
Bro. William Boyd Tindle was chairman of the General 


1914 ] 


OF ST. OEOILE LODGE. 


407 


Committee, with Bros. Charles H. Davis, W. Ernest F. 
Erdmann, W. James H. Curtin, B. W. John J. Dowers, and 
Brother Gustav A. Myers. 

UNUSUALLY INTERESTING CONCERT AT HOME FOR INCURABLES 

One of the most praiseworthy charities of St. Cecile Lodge 
is the giving of entertainments from time to time at the 
various hospitals of the city. Several of these functions have 
been given at the Home for Incurables, and there on the third 
Friday afternoon of December the brethren and the artists 
contributing assembled. The following entertainment was 
presented: 

PROGRAMME. 

St. Cecile Orchestra.Overture 

Direction W. Ernest F. Erdmann. 

Mendel and Nagel.Violin and Accordion 

Courtesy Pat Casey Agency. 

Madam Mariska Aldrich.Mezzo-soprano 

Metropolitan Opera House, 

Mr. Maurice Eisner, accompanist. 

Mr. John Gilroy.Songs and Dances 

Courtesy of White Rats Club. 

Mr. Sam Curtis and Company.Quartet 

Courtesy Bro. Will J. Cooke. 

Mr. Joe Burns.Monologue 

Courtesy of White Rats Club. 

Miss Marie Russell.Soprano 

Courtesy of White Rats Club. 

Bro. William Fullerton .Tenor 

St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

Miss Jane Fletcher.Songs 

Courtesy of Jerome Remick Co. 

Bro. Harry K. Rogers.Humorous Ballads 

St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

The Thomascope.Moving Pictures 

Bro. George H. Thomas. 

Accompanist, Bro. Paul Yartin. 

This programme proved unusually interesting to the in¬ 
valids, who rapturously applauded every number, and the 
artists who gave so generously of their time and talents felt 
well repaid in the enjoyment afforded. W. Harry A. Greene 













408 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1914 


was chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, together 
with B. W. John J. Dowers, Bro. William C. Cubitt, Bro. 
Charles H. Davis, Bro. Henry Kalman Bush, Bro. George 
H. Thomas, Bro. Will J. Cooke, and of course the Worshipful 
Master, Ernest E. Erdmann. 

The numerous friends of Bro. John T. Wardley were 
pained to learn of his sudden death, which occurred about 
ten o’clock on the evening of December 14, while at his em¬ 
ployment in the Hew York World office. Masonic funeral 
services were held at the residence on the evening of the 
17th inst., and were attended by many of the brethren and 
sorrowing relatives. The deceased was a man of upright 
character and gentle instincts which endeared him to all 
with whom he came in contact. 

There were three communications in December, the an¬ 
nual meeting falling on the 29th. The attendance at the sev¬ 
eral meetings was large. At the annual meeting on the 
29th the great amount of business was transacted with 
dispatch. The reports of the Treasurer, Secretary and Trus¬ 
tees were ordered printed, as usual, for distribution among 
the brethren. A number of Christmas donations were voted 
at the communication of the 15th, and on the 29th letters of 
thanks from their recipients were read. Bro. Albert Max- 
field, who had been a consistently faithful attendant at our 
communications for upward of twenty years, and whose 
ready help was always at the disposal of the Worshipful 
Master, was this day elected an Honorary Member of the 
Lodge. Although there were thirteen deaths during the 
year, there was a net gain in membership, as well as in the 
treasury department. M. W. Edw r ard M. L. Ehlers, Grand 
Secretary, conducted the election, and all the officers were 
duly installed, E. W. George Loesch acting as Grand Mar¬ 
shal, and making due proclamation. A small amount of rou¬ 
tine business concluded a busy day, and the Lodge was closed 
in peace and harmony. And so ended the first half century 
of the Lodge’s existence. 


THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LODGE. 

1865—1916 




SENIOR WARDEN, 1876. 














































































































1915] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


409 


FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR 


Remorseless Time! 

Fierce spirit of the glass and scythe—what power 
Can stay him in his silent course, or melt 
His iron heart to pity? On, still on, 

He presses, and forever. 


W. Charles F. Brodie (Printer)—Raised in St. Cecile 
Lodge, No. 568, June 7, 1892; Worshipful Master in 1915. 

As indicative of the manifold obligations of the Masonic 
fraternity, the year opened most inauspiciously with the an¬ 
nouncement of two funeral services on the very same day the 
lodge held its first communication of 1915. These were 
over the remains of Bro. Morris Blau, of St. Cecile Lodge, 
and Bro. George Purdy, of Dramatic Lodge, No. 571, Glas¬ 
gow, Scotland. Bro. Blau, who expired after only two days’ 
illness, was buried in Mount Morris Cemetery, near Phila¬ 
delphia, and upon a hurried request University Lodge, No. 
610, of that city, performed the service for the dead, with an 
attendance of more than twenty-five members of the frater¬ 
nity assisting. St. Cecile was represented by W. Ernest F. 
Erdmann, acting as Assistant Chaplain. At the obsequies 
over Bro. Blau, R. W. Vreeland Kendrick officiated, assisted 
by W. William P. Siegert, Master of University Lodge, and 
his Wardens. 

On the same day and at the same hour Bro. George 
Purdy’s remains were honored in like manner at Kings- 
bridge, New York City, under the auspices of St. Cecile 



410 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


Lodge, it having been his dying wish that the lodge should 
thus honor him. Bro. Purdy had been well known for many 
years as a musical director in one or another of New York’s 
theatres, and was preparing to affiliate with St. Cecile when 
overtaken by his fatal illness. At the services for Bro. 
Purdy, W. Harry A. Greene was Acting Master; Edwin E. 
Naulty, of Atlantic Lodge, No. 178, S. W.; Frank L. Lan- 
dergreen, of Atlantic Lodge, J. W. and B. W. Herbert S. 
Clarke, of Pacific Lodge, No. 233, Chaplain. Bro. Freder¬ 
ick H. Benner was the efficient Tiler. 

The first communication of the year was well attended, 
and the work of the Fellow Craft degree was rendered in a 
most interesting manner. A communication from the 
Knights Templars Charity Ball Committee resulted in the 
purchase by the lodge of twenty tickets for the occasion, to 
be distributed among the brethren. 

W. Harry Alton Bussell, the genial organist of the Lodge, 
was congratulated on the completion of twenty years’ service 
in St. Cecile Lodge. Bro. Alexander Davis (1865) was 
present, and warmly welcomed by the Master and brethren. 
During the refreshment hour there were tenor solos by Bro. 
William Fullerton and baritone duets by Bros. Alvah E. and 
C. B. Nichols. 

TWO VALUED BROTHERS ARE BURIED OX THE SAME DAY 

Bro. Marshall Pinckney Wilder succumbed to pneumonia 
and heart trouble in St. Paul, Minn., on January 10. Ma¬ 
sonic services were held on the morning of the 15th. There 
was a very large attendance and M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, 
a lifelong friend, read the impressive ceremony, assisted by 
B. W. George Loesch as Chaplain. Vocal music was ren¬ 
dered by a quartet composed of Frank Weisman, tenor; 
George Bietz, second tenor; Alvah Edgar Nichols, baritone; 
William Schalke, bass. Pages could be written of Bro. 
Wilder, who was famous the world over as “the prince of 


1915 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


411 


entertainers and the entertainer of princes/’ which was lit¬ 
erally true, as he enjoyed the personal friendship of many 
European rulers. Although physically slight, Bro. Wilder’s 
mental equipment was marvellous, and he was popularly 
known as an exponent of the sunshine of optimism. He was 
raised in St. Cecile Lodge November 18, 1884, and fre¬ 
quently entertained the Lodge. In conversation with the 
writer shortly before leaving on his last tour, he expressed 
his gratification that he soon would be made an Active Hon¬ 
orary Member of the Lodge. It was his expressed wish to be 
laid at the side of his devoted wife in the family plot at 
Ridgewood, N. J. 


IN MEMORY OF 

JOSEPH D. JACKSON 

FOR TWENTY-SIX YEARS FOREMAN 
OF THE WORLD COMPOSING ROOM 
BORN, APRIL 7, 1848. DIED, JANUARY 12, 1915. 

ERECTED BY THE CHAPEL 

Bronze Tablet on wall of Composing Room 

Following the services over Bro. Wilder’s remains on the 
same day occurred those over Bro. Joseph D. Jackson, whose 
death occurred on January 12 as a result of a fall on the ice 
a few days previous. Bro. Jackson had been with the me¬ 
chanical department of the New York World as Superintend¬ 
ent for more than a quarter of a century, where he won the 
love of his employees and associates by his sincerity and gen¬ 
erosity. He was a gentleman of kindly demeanor, known for 
his courtesy under all circumstances. As a business executive 
he had few superiors in the newspaper field. Bro. Jack- 
son affiliated with St. Cecile Lodge June 1, 189J, and held a 
high regard for all the principles and time-honored traditions 
of the fraternity. During the Masonic service the sta¬ 
tions were all filled with Bro. Jackson’s employees. W. 
Harry W. Entwistle officiated as Master, with Bro. Wil- 



412 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


liam Boyd Tindle as Senior Warden, Bro. Harry Vanderslice 
as Junior Warden, W. C. Frank Shepard Chaplain. Vocal 
music was rendered by the World Quartet, Bro. William Ful¬ 
lerton, tenor; Harold Dean, second tenor; Bro. James Mer- 
son, baritone; Bro. Leon Bouss, bass. As a mark of respect 
the entire mechanical department of the World stopped dur¬ 
ing the service. Interment was in Cypress Hills Cemetery. 

TO J. D. J. 

The blow has struck. We’re ill prepared 

To have you go—you can’t be spared. 

Our tear-drops fall—our souls are bared— 

O Lord, Thy will be done! 

You’ve bowed to His Almighty will; 

Your eyes are closed, your voice is still; 

And none is here your place to fill— 

You were as sire to son. 

The troubles that were ours you bore— 

Our mentor and our counsellor. 

Oh, art thou gone forevermore? 

A resting place you’ve found! 

Your earthly burdens down you’ve laid; 

You’ve faced your Maker unafraid. 

Oh, would that you with us had stayed— 

Our sorrow has no bound. 

O thou our leader—more than friend— 

Your “boys’ ” devotion knows no end; 

’Twill through Eternity extend— 

Oh, we must meet again! 

Though you’ve gone to that place on high, 

The love you earned will never die; 

Your spirit, deathless, ever nigh 
Has made us better men.—N. M. S. 

Terrace Garden on the evening of January 18 was the 
place and time of the annual entertainment and reception, 
which was, as usual, largely attended. M. W. George Frei- 
feld, with his wife, occupied the place of honor, while near 
to the Grand Master were M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, ac¬ 
companied by members of his family. Many other digni- 


1915 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


413 


taries of the Grand Lodge attended. The entertainment ful¬ 
filled all expectations, and the several artists contributing 
had no reason to complain because of lack of appreciation. 
Bro. Victor Baravalle wielded the baton during the musical 
numbers. Bro. Edward Dietrick, of Westwood, N. J., took 
a flashlight picture of the grand march, which showed the 
Grand Master and several of the Grand Lodge officers in 
the front rank. Bro. William Boyd Tindle was chairman of 
the General Committee, while the floor was under the direc¬ 
tion of W. Harry A. Greene and Bro. Dan Dody. B. W. 
John J. Dowers was treasurer, with Bro. William R. Hunn 
as secretary. W. Ernest F. Erdmann was chairman of 
Music, while Bro. Charles H. Davis headed the Talent Com¬ 
mittee. R. W. George W. Hackenberger was chairman of 
Decorations. R. W. George E. Wallen had charge of the box 
office, while W. Harry W. Entwistle selected the badges. 

Master Mason degree brought out a good attendance at 
the first communication in February, and the brethren had 
the pleasure of hearing the lessons of the historical legend 
explained by one of our own Past Masters, Bro. Harry W. 
Entwistle. During the day discussion was had as to the 
time, place and character of proper exercises to celebrate the 
fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge. It was tentatively de¬ 
cided to hold a memorial service early in the spring. It was 
recalled that while the dispensation was dated January 25, 
1865, the charter was granted June 28 of the same year. The 
last Tuesday of June was the approximate date of the charter, 
and representatives from all the known “matinee” lodges in 
the United States were invited to come together as the guests 
of the Lodge. Other celebrations were designed to follow 
later in the fall. The June 29th Committee named was R. 
W. John J. Dowers, chairman; with W. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
R. W. George E. Wallen, W. Harry A. Greene, W. Abel S. 
Holcomb, together with Bros. Alvah Edgar Nichols, Frank 
Rix, and Ira B. Terry. The Committee on Memorial in 
remembrance of the brethren who have died were R. W. 


414 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


George Loesch, chairman; with E. W. John el. Dowers, W. 
Harry A. Greene, W. Harry W. Entwistle, Bros. Alvah Ed¬ 
gar Nichols and William E. Hunn. 

Considerable sickness prevailed among the membership at 
this time, and calls for financial assistance were many. 
These were met in a variety of ways and altogether in a 
manner designed do he of the utmost benefit to the recipients. 
Bro. George H. Harris was reported to be in a serious condi¬ 
tion as a result of being run down by a motor truck near his 
home, and was lying in a hospital on Washington Heights. 

An interesting Third degree day was enjoyed the first 
Tuesday of March, many visitors from foreign jurisdictions 
being present. Bro. Eobert Barclay, of Tuscan Lodge, St. 
Louis, Mo., journeyed all the way to New York to be present 
on this occasion, and had the pleasure of raising his son, 
Shepard G. Barclay, to the sublime degree of Master Mason. 
The brethren were entertained with songs by Bro. Alvah E. 
Nichols, and piano solos by Bro. Max Freisinger and Bro. 
George Stone (this day affiliated). W. Harry W. Entwistle 
on short notice again delivered the lecture and was the 
recipient of many compliments from the brethren. Consid¬ 
eration of the By-laws and several amendments was taken 
up and ordered printed in the Lodge notice for the informa¬ 
tion of the brethren. 

E. W. George Loesch, chairman, announced the details 
as arranged by the committee for the forthcoming Memorial 
Ceremony, which he promised would be a service worthy of 
the object and character of the Lodge. The date named was 
Sunday, April 18. The chairman also reported that the 
Fiftieth Anniversary Committee had decided on a banquet 
at the McAlpin Hotel, on the evening of Wednesday, Octo¬ 
ber 20. 

Among those who assisted in the work of the afternoon 
were E. W. Stephen D. Affleck and E. W. John Spence. W. 
William E. Bedell, Master of King Solomon’s Lodge, No. 31, 
Washington, D. C., was present and received the thanks of 


1915 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


415 


the Worshipful Master for the hospitality shown the New 
Y ork delegation on the occasion of their visit to the Capital 
in the previous November. 

As several hundred unbound copies of the “One Thousand 
Communications of St. Cecile Lodge” were still available, 
the Secretary was instructed v by vote of the Lodge to write 
the lodge annals up to date, insert the new matter in the 
volume, and have the books printed for distribution. 

Among the many cases of illness reported was that of 
Bro. Nathan D. Mann (315), well known to theatrical folk, 
who succumbed after a surgical operation, in San Francisco, 
April 12. Bro. Mann was raised in St. Cecile Lodge March 
5, 1889, and will be remembered in the Lodge for his affable 
disposition. He served the Lodge as Senior Deacon in 1890 
and 1897. He formerly was active in Masonic work while 
a resident of this city. On April 13 Bro. Bosanquet Wesley 
Gillis passed away at his home in Brooklyn, a victim of 
bronchial pneumonia. He was at one time prominent in 
Richmond, Va., as proprietor and editor of the Richmond 
State Journal . His ancestors were distinguished in the early 
history of Pennsylvania during the Colonial days. Bro. 
Gillis affiliated with St. Cecile Lodge June 1, 1897, and 
was a respected member of the various afternoon Masonic 
bodies. On the day following Bro. Gillis’s decease death 
claimed another of our membership, Bro. Louis W. Begie- 
bing, a musician, who passed away at his home in this city. 
Masonic funeral services were conducted by W. Ernest F. 
Erdmann, at the request of the Master. An instrumental 
quartet rendered music, and a large band from the Musical 
Union played while the funeral cortege passed. 

Brethren and friends of the Lodge were distressed to learn 
of the death of Mme. Sabary D’Orsell, who succumbed to 
pneumonia, after an illness of three days. A noted singer, 
who had been principal soprano at the New York Hippo¬ 
drome and other large theatres for several seasons, Madame 
D’Orsell had several times generously volunteered for Lodge 


416 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


entertainments. She was the beloved wife of Bro. John Nu¬ 
gent and was a popular favorite everywhere on account of 
her gentle and amiable character, as well as for her great 
beauty. 


BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL CEREMONY PERFORMED 

With illness and death making such havoc among the 
membership, it was an appropriate time indeed for the service 
which had been arranged in memory of those brethren who 
had gone to their last reward during the first half century 
of the Lodge’s existence. This is the programme given 
in the Grand Lodge Hall on Sunday afternoon, April 18 , and 
it may truthfully be said that the service was one of the most 
impressively beautiful ever held in the Temple: 


MEMORIAL SERVICE. 


PRELUDE (Organ)—Second Sonata. Mendelssohn 

QUARTETTE—“Fear ye not, O Israel”. Spicker 

TENOR SOLO—“Cujus Animam”. Rossini 

Opening Ceremony. 

CONTRALTO SOLO—“The Lord is mindful of His own”. .Mendelssohn 

QUARTETTE—“The Radiant Morn”. Woodward 

SOPRANO SOLO—“Inflammatus” . Rossini 


Oration. 

QUARTETTE—“What are these arrayed in white robes”. Stainer 

THANATOPSIS.William Cullen Bryant 


Closing Ceremony. 
Doxology. 

Officers for Service. 


George Loesch .Master 

Harry W. Entwistle .Senior Warden 

George W. Hackenberger .Junior Warden 

Abel S. Holcomb .Chaplain 

Harry A. Greene .Marshal 


Charles G. F. Wahle, Orator. 


Beulah Gaylord Young .Soprano 

Pauline MacBride Nichols .Contralto 

Charles Harrison .Tenor 

Alvah E. Nichols .Barytone 

Harry Alton Russell .Organist 



















1915 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


417 


R. W. George Loesch was chairman of the committee, to¬ 
gether with W. Harry A. Greene, R. W. John J. Dowers, W. 
Harry W. Entwistle, Bro. Alvah E. Hichols and Bro. Wil¬ 
liam R. Hunn. The attendance was large. 

Upon consideration of several proposed amendments to the 
By-laws at a summoned lodge meeting, a life membership 
was instituted, and payment fixed at $150; the annual dues 
were made $7.00 per year to begin with January 1, 1913; 
the regular hour of meeting was fixed at 1.30 in the after¬ 
noon, except when in the opinion of the Worshipful Master it 
became necessary to meet at an hour as early as ten in the 
morning or any time intervening, and the salary of the or¬ 
ganist was increased to meet these increased requirements. 

Fully one thousand Masons, including M. W. George Erei- 
feld, Grand Master, and members of the Grand Lodge, were 
present at Masonic church services held in the Church of 
the Intercession, at Broadway and One Hundred and Fifty- 
fifth street, on the evening of Sunday, April 25. An in¬ 
structive sermon, peculiarly interesting to members of the 
fraternity, was delivered by the Rev. William R. Watson, 
Grand Chaplain. The usual church music was supplemented 
by St. Cecilians—W. Ernest E. Erdmann, violin; Bro. 
Adolph Schubert, violin; Bro. Oreste Genovese, violin; Bro. 
Louis Kramer, viola; Bro. Emile Maestre, ’cello; Bro. Emile 
Couchoud, bass. The spacious edifice was crowded to the 
doors. 

Bro. Harry Delvig, of Cordova, Alaska, who had been a 
frequent visitor at lodge, many times assisting in the work, 
was about to return to that distant city by sailing vessel 
around South America, and was bid godspeed on his lengthy 
voyage. 

An emergent call was sent out to the brethren to attend 
the funeral of Bro. John H. Bunny, who died April 26, at 
his Brooklyn home, after an illness which lasted about three 
weeks. Bro. Bunny was raised in St. Cecile Lodge Decem¬ 
ber 2, 1913. As a comedian he was well known to patrons 
of musical shows, but with the advent of the motion pic- 


418 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


tures he became universally famous. His big, genial features, 
with a fetching smile that was irresistible, became known 
all over the world. A man of sunny disposition, Bro. Bunny 
was always ready with a laughing retort to any sally. Hone 
who were present will ever forget the appearance presented 
by Bro. Bunny (260 pounds) and Bro. Marshall P. Wilder 
(98 pounds) strolling arm in arm down the main aisle of the 
Grand Lodge room during Lodge communication on one 
occasion. Through the courtesy of Lodge Ho. 1, B. P. O. E., 
the beautiful hall of the Elks’ Club, in Forty-third street, 
was placed at the disposal of St. Cecile for the funeral of 
Bro. Bunny. Fully 1,500 friends and acquaintances of the 
deceased were present, among whom were the family and 
many Masons. The impressive service of the Elks was given 
by Dr. John Edwin Dear don, after which the Masonic service 
was read by B. W. August Eickelberg, assisted by R. W. 
George Loesch. Bro. Alvah Edgar Hichols sang Handel’s 
“Trust in the Lord,” and there was appropriate instrumental 
music by W. Ernest F. Erdmann, and Bros. Adolph Schu¬ 
bert, Leonidas Verona and Adrian Schubert. Many promi¬ 
nent personages were present from the theatrical and moving 
picture interests. 

At the following communication, the Secretary reported 
that a letter of thanks had been sent to the officers of Elks’ 
Lodge, Ho. 1, and that it had been printed in its entirety in 
the Elks’ Lodge Bulletin, sent to all Elks, May 2, 1915. 


LIFE MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BEGINNING 

A committee to formulate the plans for the life member¬ 
ship fund was appointed, and Bro. Charles C. Shay was the 
first to pay the necessary $150 fee. R. W. George E. Wal¬ 
len, R. W. Charles Miller Williams, W. Harry A. Greene 
and Bro. William Boyd Tindle were named to inaugurate 
the fund. As the Grand Lodge began its annual sessions this 
day, a recess was held to enable all who desired to attend 


1915 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


419 


the opening ceremonies. Bro. William Boyd Tindle, Senior 
Warden, occupied the east in the absence of the Master, 
while Bro. Samuel McCandless volunteered in the duties of 
Secretary, in the absence of B. W. Charles Miller Williams, 
Grand Sword Bearer. A letter of thanks was sent to B. W. 
August Eickelberg for his aid during the funeral of Bro. 
John H. Bunny, and letters were read from W. John H. 
Allen, now residing in Australia, and from W. John H. 
Byley (both formerly of St. Cecile), Past Master of Drury 
Lane Lodge, No. 2127, at present Secretary of Greenroom 
Lodge, No. 2957, London, England. 

A very interesting third degree day was held early in 
June, at which time the lessons of the historical legend were 
admirably explained by B. W. Bobert J. Hanna, Past Dis¬ 
trict Deputy of the Second District, New Jersey. During 
the refreshment hour the brethren were entertained by Bro. 
Melville Stewart, who sang in splendid voice; Bro. Sam 
Dody, who gave some amusing songs and recitations, and 
Bro. Shirley, of Faxton Lodge, No. 697, who told some 
funny stories. W. Ernest F. Erdmann played several fine 
selections on the violin; there were delightful selections by 
an instrumental quartet, Bros. Ernest F. Erdmann, Louis 
Baer, Jr., Louis Kramer, Emile Maestre, and Harry Alton 
Bussell, piano. 


DAYLIGHT LODGE OF REVOLUTIONARY DAYS 

Early in June W. Ernest F. Erdmann and B. W. Charles 
Miller Williams made a fraternal visit to St. Paul Lodge, 
Ayer, Mass., some thirty-six miles northwest of Boston. This 
lodge, though small in membership, is composed of many 
persons of local prominence, and has been meeting on the 
first Monday of each month, at one o’clock in the afternoon, 
ever since 1795. The ancient charter, signed by Paul Be- 
vere as Grand Master, is kept spic and span in a safe de¬ 
posit vault, a more commonplace instrument being used in 


420 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


the lodge room. The original was courteously brought forth 
by Bro. Parsons, the Secretary, for the inspection of the 
visitors. The original charter is printed and written upon 
heavy vellum, and in appearance is as clean and fresh as the 
day the noted patriot affixed his name to it. It was from this 
revolutionary hero that the lodge took its name. In the 
lodge room the visitors were shown a remarkably beautiful 
loving cup of large size, engraved and ornamented by Bro. 
Paul Kevere himself, who was by trade a skilled and artistic 
silversmith. This valuable gift was formerly used at com¬ 
munications, hut is now kept for state occasions. Many of 
the members of this lodge reside at a considerable distance 
from the Masonic Hall, but on lodge day they make it a point 
to arrive early. Before the sound of the gavel an hour or 
so of social converse is indulged in; then a procession is 
formed, and, headed by the Master, the brethren march to 
the dining room near by, where all sit at one long table and 
partake of a warm and substantial dinner, after which the 
brethren repair to the lodge room and begin business. The 
ceremonies are dignified and impressive, in keeping with 
the best traditions of the fraternity. Before leaving, the 
metropolitan visitors extended to the Massachusetts brethren 
a cordial invitation to visit St. Cecile Lodge at their con¬ 
venience and suggested June 29 as an appropriate date. 

CELEBRATION OF MATINEE LODGE CHARTER DAY 

Celebration of the date of the Lodge charter, June 28, 
1865, was set down for June 29. Invitations had been sent 
to all the known matinee lodges of the United States, to 
attend “Matinee Lodge Day,” and there was a record at¬ 
tendance in the Grand Lodge Hall when the gavel sounded 
at one o’clock. The regular routine business was quickly 
dispatched, and then M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers was re¬ 
ceived with honors and complimented the Lodge on its fifty 
years of prosperity. At the request of the Master, the Grand 


1915 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


421 


Secretary occupied the east and presided over the further 
ceremonies. M. W. Robert Judson Kenworthy, P. G. M., 
was received with grand honors, and made a flattering speech. 
R. W. Frank Herwig, District Deputy of the Seventh, was 
escorted to the east, as were a number of other distinguished 
Grand Lodge officers. Bro. John G. Pfeiffer (58), who was 
raised March 5, 1867, was welcomed as the oldest member 
of the Lodge present. Finally, all the Past Masters of the 
Lodge were grouped about the altar, and received the felici¬ 
tations of the Master. Then M. W. George Freifeld, Grand 
Master, who had been detained, was announced and entered 
the room, receiving an ovation as he approached the east. 
Members of the Fellowcraft Club were admitted and formed 
a group in the center of the hall. W. Harry A. Greene, in 
behalf of the club, presented to the Lodge a handsome Ameri¬ 
can flag, which was formally accepted in behalf of the Lodge 
by M. W. Edward M. L. Ehlers, who was unusually happy 
in his address. R. W. George Loesch, for the Lodge, then 
presented to W. Ernest F. Erdmann a handsome gold watch, 
as a testimonial of appreciation for his splendid service as 
Master. 


PROGRAMME. 

Organ Overture. Harry Alton Russell 

“Festival Overture,” Leutner. St. Cecile Brass Band 

W. Ernest F. Erdmann, Director. 

Chronological Cycle, consisting of songs and old-time music, extending 
from 1865 to 1915, played by the Band, with vocal numbers inter¬ 
polated by Bro. Alvah E. Nichols, baritone; Bro. Thomas Boyd 
McQueen, tenor; Bro. Carl Friedberg, bass. 

“When Johnny Comes Marching Home”.With drums and fife 

“The Vacant Chair”. Bro. Alvah E. Nichols 

“My Maryland” march. St. Cecile Brass Band 

“Silver Threads Among the Gold”. Bro. Carl Friedberg 

“Graduates’ March,” by Maurice Levi. St. Cecile Brass Band 

Direction Bro. Maurice Levi 

“Sally in Our Alley”. Bro. Thomas Boyd McQueen 

“Stars and Stripes Forever” .St. Cecile Brass Band 

(Flag Presentation.) 

“Star Spangled Banner”. Grand Ensemble 


Doxology. 












422 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


This concluded the more formal exercises, and the Lodge 
closed about four thirty in the afternoon. A luncheon had 
been prepared in the banquet rooms in the basement, and 
more than five hundred of the brethren sat down. An enjoy¬ 
able programme included Bro. Thomas Boyd McQueen, 
tenor; Miss Buby Helder, female tenor; Bose and May, 
songs and dances; Miss Elsie Meadows, soprano; Driscoll 
and Lambert, songs; Bob Harding, songs. Bro. Harry K. 
Bogers had charge of the talent at the luncheon. 

Bepresentatives of matinee lodges present included: King 
Solomon’s Lodge, Ho. 31, Washington, D. C., W. Bert Wolfe, 
W. John L. Johns, Bro. M. H. Stattler; St. Paul Lodge, 
Ayer, Mass., W. J. G. Willey and W. Timothy E. Flarity; 
Meridian Lodge, Ho 284, Bichmond, Ya., W. A. H. Flour¬ 
noy (Master), Bro. M. L. Boyle (Senior Warden) and Bro. 
H. McD. Cousins (Junior Warden); St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 
193, Hewark, H. J., B. W. W. M. Vermilye, B. W. J. C. 
Howard, W. Edward Eancher, W Edward Issler; St. Cecilia, 
Ho. 865, Chicago, Ill., Bro. Edward L. Gernert, who also 
played cornet in the band. Other lodges were represented 
by W. Charles D. Shackleford, Lebanon Lodge, Ho. 7, Wash¬ 
ington, D. C.; W. John Wisener and W. Charles Bair, Uni¬ 
versity Lodge, Ho. 610, Philadelphia; Brother Arnold Lucy, 
Greenroom Lodge, Ho. 2957, London, England, and others. 
There were about a hundred members present from St. Ce¬ 
cile Lodge, Ho. 193, Hewark, besides delegations from lodges 
in every part of the metropolitan district. The musicians 
who contributed their services included Bros. Hathan Bosen, 
Hicola Del Hegro, Walter J. Miller, H. Venezia, Y. Miano, 
Edward E. Gernert (St. Cecelia, Chicago), Jacob Eisen- 
kramer, Ferdinand Fontenella, Charles W. Ereudenvoll, 
David Eink, Frank Stretz, Carlo di Chiara, Otto Koehler, 
Jacob Wolff, Gustav A. Myers, Anton P. Kleinfelder, Bur¬ 
dette Sullivan, Emile Couchoud, John Schilling, Andrew 
Bade, William E. Csesar, J. A. Lauletta, Anthony Pinto, 
John Helleberg, E. Vennum, Carl Wolff, Gaetano Pinto, W. 


1915 ] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


423 


Ernest F. Erdmann, director, who also arranged the musical 
programme. 

Several of the out of town guests remained over. On the 
following day automobiles were provided, and a party of 
eighteen started from the Masonic Hall at ten o’clock in the 
morning, bound for a sightseeing tour of the city. Many 
points of interest in the city were visited, including the 
Riverside Drive as far as Grant’s Tomb, and a run through 
Central Park. The party then wended their way over to the 
Elks’ Club, in Brooklyn, where W. Harry A. Greene, chief 
officer, had a lunch prepared. From here a short visit was 
made to the home of R. W. John J. Dowers, who had been 
obliged to forego the pleasures of the previous day by rea¬ 
son of illness. The party reached Coney Island late in the 
afternoon, and after visiting several of the attractions at 
the resort, sat down to a shore dinner at one of the popular 
restaurants, where several hours were passed in pleasant 
fellowship. A heavy rain compelled a hasty retreat to the 
city, and the visitors later returned to their distant homes 
highly delighted with their metropolitan experiences. At 
a subsequent communication of the Lodge, letters of thanks 
were sent to Bro. Carl Schaetzer, who placed his large auto¬ 
mobile and chauffeur at the pleasure of the visiting brethren; 
to Bro. William Lipptrott and Bro. J. L. Schild, who like¬ 
wise donated cars. Those who composed the touring party 
included W. Timothy Elarity and W. J. G. Willey, St. Paul 
Lodge; W. A. H. Flournoy, Bros. M. L. Boyle and H. McD. 
Cousins, Meridian Lodge, Ho. 284, Richmond, Va.; W. John 
Wisener and W. Charles Bair, University Lodge, Ho. 610, 
Philadelphia; Bros. Edward Poole and Charles Willey, King 
Solomon’s Lodge, Ho. 31, Washington, D. C.; R. W. W. M. 
Vermilye, of St. Cecile Lodge, Ho. 193, Hewark; and Bros. 
Wallen, Greene, Williams, Rix, Hunn, and others of St. 
Cecile Lodge. 

Many States now boast of daylight or “matinee” lodges, 
meeting regularly. Those in direct fellowship with St. 


424 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


Cecil© Lodge include the following, and there may be others. 
Given in order of seniority: 

St. Paul Lodge, Masons’ Hall, Ayer, Mass., January 26, 1797. Meets 
third Monday in each month, at 1 P. M. 

St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, Masonic Hall, New York City, June 28, 
1865. Meets first, third and fifth Tuesdays each month, at 1:30 P. M. 
St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 865, Masonic Temple, Chicago, Ill., October 9, 
1902. Meets first, third and fifth Tuesdays each month, at 1:30 
P. M. 

Meridian Lodge, No. 284, Masonic Temple, Richmond, Ya., December 

3, 1903. Meets fourth Monday each month, at 12 noon. 
Daylight Lodge, No. 760, Masonic Temple, Louisville, Ky., January 16, 

1904. Meets second and fourth Saturdays, at 2:30 P. M. 

King Solomon’s Lodge, No. 31, Masonic Temple, Washington, D. C., 
May 25, 1905. Meets first Wednesday in each month, at 2 P. M. 
Olive Branch Lodge, No. 576, No. 810 Olive Street, St. Louis, Mo., 
September 27, 1906. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays, at 1 P. M. 
Jewel Lodge, No. 374, Masonie Temple, San Francisco, Cal., October 
10, 1906. Meets first Thursday each month, at 1:30 P. M. 

St. Cecile Lodge, No. 193, No. 401 Plane Street, Newark, N. J., May 

4, 1910. Meets every Thursday, at 3 P. M. Calls off during July 
and August. 

Silver Trowel Lodge, No. 415, Masonic Temple, Pico Street, Los An¬ 
geles, Cal., October 13, 1910. Meets first Wednesday each month, 
at 10 :30 A. M. 

Meridian Lodge, No. 610, Masonic Temple, Cleveland, Ohio, October 19, 
1911. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays, each month, at 1:30 P. M. 
High Noon Lodge, No. 635, A. A. S. R. Cathedral, 417 Broadway, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, November, 1916. Meets second Friday of each 
month, at 11 A. M. 

There is also, in Chicago, it is said, a lodge composed of 
newspaper men, which though not strictly a matinee lodge, 
would probably come under that classification. They hold 
their regular meetings about 3 A. M., after their work on 
the morning newspapers is finished. 

Bro. John C. Hilherg (professionally known as John C. 
Bice) succumbed suddenly to pneumonia after two days’ ill¬ 
ness in Philadelphia, on Saturday, June 5. Bro. Bice was 
for years one of the most popular light comedians on the 
American stage. He was the devoted husband of Miss Sallie 
Cohen, a well known actress, and the couple had but recently 


1915 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


425 


celebrated the silver anniversary of their wedding at* their 
handsome home in Mount Vernon, H. Y. At an emergent 
communication on Monday, June 7, held at the mortuary 
parlors on Eighth avenue, possibly a thousand friends were 
in attendance. R. W. George Loesch read the Masonic serv¬ 
ice for the dead, assisted by the Master as Senior Warden, 
Bro. William Boyd Tindle as Junior Warden, and W. Harry 
A. Greene as Chaplain. Bro. Alvah E. Hichols sang, with 
W. Harry Alton Bussell at the organ. The ceremony made 
a deep impression upon the audience, which included many 
persons of prominence. 

Two brothers of the Lodge died during the month of June, 
but no information regarding their demise reached the 
Lodge until several weeks had passed. Bro. John H. Shoe¬ 
maker, who was raised February 5, 1901, lay ill for some 
time in the Washington Heights Hospital, and finally died 
June 1st, from heart trouble. It was July before any in¬ 
formation reached the officers of the Lodge regarding his 
illness and death. Bro. George B. Cobb (Beno) a Fellow 
Craft of the Lodge, died in Grand Bapids, Mich., June 22, 
after an illness of two weeks. Ho information was received 
in regard to his death until officers of the Lodge read the 
particulars in the newspapers. Memorial pages were set 
apart in the records to the memory of these two brothers. 

The Master Mason degree was the work of the July 6th 
Communication, and the brethren had the pleasure of hear¬ 
ing a splendid exposition of the lessons of the degree deliv¬ 
ered by R. W. Joseph Rossbottom, P. G. D. C. During re¬ 
freshment Bro. Alvah E. Hichols sang in fine voice and Bro. 
Fred Solomon convulsed his hearers with several comic 
songs, accompanying himself on the piano. A letter was 
read from W. William B. Smith, of Philadelphia, expressing 
regret that he was unable to be present at the communication 
of June 29, and congratulating the Lodge on its prosperity. 

At the first communication in August certificates of Ac¬ 
tive Honorary Membership were presented to Bro. Louis 


426 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


Baer, Jr. (190), who was raised October 4, 1881; and to 
Bro. William J. Bailey (244), who affiliated April 15, 1884. 
The presentation was made by the Worshipful Master, who 
complimented them on their lengthy and honorable record. 
Among the distinguished visitors of the day was R. W. 
James W. Mathews, P. G. D. C., Grand Lodge of England, 
who presented the working tools, including the chisel, ac¬ 
cording to the old style. Bro. Thomas Whiffen (615), who 
was raised September 20, 1896, was granted a dimit, as he 
had taken up a permanent residence in Massachusetts. 

Bro. John C. T. Rettich (theatrically known as Melville 
Stewart), who was spending the summer season with his 
family at Sea Gate, Brooklyn, suddenly collapsed on August 
5 and passed away in a few moments. Apparently in his 
usually robust health and buoyant spirits, his death came as 
a distinct shock. By the finest qualities of heart and mind 
Bro. Stewart had endeared himself to a host of friends. He 
was a man of fine presence, an artist in his profession, and a> 
wonder worker in the habit of optimism. 

“How fast they fall, those loved ones we have known, 

Like leaves from autumn’s branches blown, 

So quickly sere. 

“Yes, one by one they drop away, 

Like withered leaves they fall and stray, 

And disappear.” 

Masonic funeral services were held by the Lodge in the 
Renaissance Room, on Sunday, August 8. W. Harry W. 
Entwistle read the ceremony for the dead in the absence 
of the Master. There was appropriate music by brethren 
of the Lodge. The attendance was large and the floral trib¬ 
utes beautiful. 

Bro. Elmer E. Troxell, who had been ill for a long time 
in San Francisco, died August 27, at the Hahnemann Hos¬ 
pital in that city. He was widely known among newspaper 
workers all over the United States for his warmhearted na- 



WORSHIPFUL MASTER, 1916. 






1915 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


427 


ture and integrity of character. His sufferings were greatly 
prolonged, but the end came peacefully. At the request of 
St. Cecile Lodge, Masonic funeral services were performed 
by Jewel Lodge, Ho. 374, and were attended by several Hew 
York Masons visiting in San Francisco. 

After an unavailing fight against a malady which had 
sapped his vitality for months, R. W. John J. Dowers, well 
known in the various Masonic bodies, succumbed on the 
morning of September 11. Ho’thing but an indomitable will 
had kept him alive when another would have given up. To 
the very last his mind was bright and his intellect undimmed. 
Bro. Dowers practically died, as the saying is, in the har¬ 
ness. As he had long been ill, and many times reported to be 
in a dying condition, his death was not entirely unexpected. 
He was raised in St. Cecile Lodge June 3, 1902, and had 
been active in the quarries of Masonic endeavor right up to 
the last. Elsewhere in this volume will be found a biographi¬ 
cal sketch, giving details of his activities. The funeral was 
held in the Grand Lodge Hall on Wednesday, September 15, 
and, although the weather was stifling, there was a large at¬ 
tendance of friends and relatives. M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers read the Masonic services for the dead, and R. W. 
John Lloyd Thomas delivered a eulogy upon the life and 
character of the deceased. The music was of a high order, 
and lent no little impressiveness to the service. Representa¬ 
tives were present from the Scottish Rite, Ivanhoe Comman- 
dery, Corinthian Chapter, Columbian Council, Azim Grotto, 
the Masonic Board of Relief, the Square Club, the Masonic 
Club, and other organizations of which he was a member. 
Interment was in Kensico Cemetery. 

Still another death among the brethren occurred at this 
time. Bro. Frederick W. Ecke, for many years an orchestra 
leader, died September 17, at his home at Patrick’s Corners, 
H. J., after an illness of several months. Bro. Ecke was 
raised in St. Cecile Lodge April 5, 1904. Masonic services 
were held at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Astoria, L. I., Septem- 


428 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


ber 20, and were attended by the Worshipful Master and a 
number of the brethren. 

Bro. Christian T. Plate (No. 42), who had been for some 
time the oldest member of the Lodge, died in Germany Sep¬ 
tember 8, aged 86 years. The intelligence of his death was 
conveyed to the Lodge several months later by an attorney 
of this city. Bro. Plate had been a musician, but retired to 
spend his last days in Germany. His last appearance in the 
lodge room was in 1912, on which occasion he was received 
with many honors. He then sailed away, and none of the 
Lodge members ever saw him again. 

At a regular meeting a resolution amending the By-laws 
was offered by Bro. Charles Miller Williams, striking out the 
clause exempting the Secretary from the payment of annual 
dues. He argued that the discrimination had a tendency 
to lessen the dignity of the office of the Secretary, and after 
some discussion the amendment was adopted. 

In October began the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniver¬ 
sary with a thank offering church service. Through the cour¬ 
tesy of the pastor and officers of the Central Presbyterian 
Church, the Lodge was permitted the use of the splendid 
new edifice at Madison avenue and Fifty-seventh street, on 
Sunday, October 17. The brethren were joined by some 
fifty Sir Knights of York Commandery, No. 55, in full 
Templar uniform, under command of Eminent Sir George 
B. Eoane. Promptly at one forty-five a procession was 
formed, the Sir Knights leading, which marched from the 
assembly room in the rear around the corner into the main 
entrance, where an arch of steel was formed by the Sir 
Knights, through which the brethren passed. When all were 
seated the divine blessing was invoked by Rev. William A. 
Masker, Past Commander. R. W. William E. Stevens, 
Grand Chaplain, read the lessons of the day in unison with 
the brethren, afterward taking his text from I Corinthians 
xiii, 13: “How abideth faith, hope and love.” His stirring 
address was a virile exposition of the words of the Apostle 


1915] 


OF ST. GECILE LODGE. 


429 


as being peculiarly applicable to Masons. The musical pro¬ 
gramme was rendered by a vocal quartet, composed of Mrs. 
Edna Fassett Sterling, soprano; Mrs. Helen Niebuhr, con¬ 
tralto; Mr. Delos Becker, tenor; Mr. Andrea Sarto, baritone. 
Mr. Harry M. Gilbert was organist. The attendance filled 
the church comfortably, many ladies being present. Numer¬ 
ous small dinner parties afterward concluded a perfect au¬ 
tumn day. 


MOST EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNICATION OF THE LODGE 

On the following Tuesday afternoon occurred the 1224th 
regular communication, which must go down in history as 
the most extraordinary meeting of the Lodge ever held. It 
is doubtful if such a communication ever had a counterpart 
in the Empire State. Never before had such a galaxy of 
dignitaries gathered at one time in the Lodge, to say nothing 
of having at least fifteen hundred Master Masons present. 
Promptly at twelve-thirty the gavel was sounded, and the 
Lodge was opened with music, both vocal and instrumental. 
After the minutes were read and other routine business 
cleared away, the distinguished visitors were announced, and 
the following were received with proper honors in the order 
named: M. W. William Sherer, P. G. M.; M. W. Edward 
M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary; M. W. William A. Brodie, 
P. G. M.; M. W. John W. Vrooman, P. G. M.; M. W. Rob¬ 
ert Judson Ken worthy, P. G. M. Brief addresses were made 
by these veterans of the Grand Lodge, during which Bro. 
Kenworthy very aptly named St. Cecile a the Sunshine 
Lodge.” Then R. W. Robert H. Robinson, Grand Marshal, 
announced M. W. George Ereifeld, and the Grand Master 
was accorded an ovation on his entrance. 

With the beginning of the ceremonial business of the after¬ 
noon, the conferring of the degree of Master Mason, the 
various stations and places were occupied as follows, and such 
a gathering of the most prominent Masons in the state for 


430 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


work in a Lodge must be noted as being remarkable, to say 
the least: 

M. W. George Freifeld .Grand Master 

M. W. William A. Brodie, P. G. M.Senior Warden 

M. W. William Sherer, P. G. M.Junior Warden 

M. W. Robert Judson Kenworthy, P. G. M.Senior Deacon 

M. W. John Yrooman, P. G. M.Senior Master of Ceremonies 

R. W. William. B. Adams, D. D. 12th Dist. .Junior Master of Ceremonies 

R. W. Francis F. Leman, D. D. 11th Dist.Senior Steward 

R. W. Charles Bickard, D. D. 10th Dist.Junior Steward 

R. W. Moses Altmann, P. D. D. 7th Dist.Chaplain 

R. W. Robert H. Robinson .Grand Marshal 

Also assisting: 

R. W. Francis F. Leman, D. D. 11th Dist. 

R. W. George Cromwell, Com. of Appeals. 

R. W. George Loesch, P. D. D. 7th Dist. 

R. W. George W. Hackenberger, Past Grand Steward. 

R. W. Frederick Wefers, Committee on Charity, Grand Lodge. 

R. W. Dwight W. DeMotte, D. D. 5th Dist. 

R. W. Frank Herwig, D. D. 7th Dist. 

R. W. George E. Wallen, Past Grand Representative, Colorado. 

R. W. Charles Miller Williams, Past Grand Sword Bearer. 

W. Abel S. Holcomb, St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

Bro. Louis Mann, St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568. 

Of seventeen candidates eligible for the degree, the for¬ 
tunate five who thus were permitted the unusual distinction 
of being raised to the sublime degree by the Grand Master 
in person were Fellow Crafts Edwin M. Kapp, Oskar J. 
Lange, Oreste Genovese, John Kocchetti, John H. Helleberg. 

At the conclusion of the degree work, M. W. Edward M. 
L. Ehlers explained the lessons of the historical legend, giv¬ 
ing his celebrated classic on “Charity,” in his own inimitable 
manner. M. W. William A. Brodie also addressed the newly 
made Master Masons, who then signed the By-laws. There 
was exceptional instrumental music during the work and 
vocal numbers by Bro. Alvah E. ISTichols, baritone. In an 
interval between sections, B. W. Charles Miller Williams, 
Past Grand Sword Bearer, in a brief but felicitous address 
presented to M. W. George Freifeld a handsomely engrossed 







1915] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


431 


certificate of honorary membership. The Grand Master, in 
accepting this evidence of the esteem of the brethren, thanked 
Bro. Williams for the kindly sentiments conveyed in his 
speech, and said he accepted the distinction with the great¬ 
est pleasure. W. Harry A. Greene, on behalf of a modest 
brother, then presented to the Lodge a handsome set of silver 
plated altar lights, which were duly accepted by the Master. 
A rising vote of thanks was tendered Bro. Frederick Herman 
Renner, when it was discovered that he was the donor, and 
the gift was placed in service at once. At the conclusion of 
the degree the Lodge was closed in short form to make way 
for the entertainment that was to follow. 

Bro. Fred Hiblo, of Pacific Lodge, Ho. 233, who was in 
an unusually felicitous mood, cleverly announced the various 
numbers and caused much merriment by his witty sallies. 

THE PROGRAMME. 


Overture .St. Cecile Orchestra 

W. Ernest F. Erdmann, Conductor. 

Bro. Louis Mann .In inimitable recitations 

Bro. Van Rensselaer Wheeler -“Many Happy Returns of the Day” 

Words by Bro. Van Rensselaer Wheeler. 

Music by Bro. Silvio Hein, Pacific Lodge, Director. 

“We’re often told of a love grown cold, 

In these days of rush and go; 

Yet here are we at the Third Degree, 

And the work is never slow. 


“Freemasons all, in this grand old hall, 

At refreshment hour ice play. 

Surely one thing ice feel . ’tis our love for St. Cecile. 
Many happy returns of the day.” 

Chorus by Entire Assemblage. 


Bro. 

Bro. 


Thomas A. Wise. 

Eugene Cowles . 

Sketch (In one act). 
Scene— Room in hotel. 


Recitations 
.Basso 


“Mike the Crook”.. 
“International Pete” 
A smooth female... 


Final 


.. Bro. Ralph Delmore 
Bro. Alonzo PIagerdorn 
...Bro. Norman Tharp 


“My Country, ’Tis of Thee” 


Doxology. 


Orchestra 










432 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


When the sketch was put on there was an amusing diver¬ 
sion by Bros. Harry De Veaux, Thomas A. Wise, Sam Mann 
and several others objecting to the presence of females in 
the Lodge room. 

Instrumental music befitting the occasion was rendered 
at intervals by the St. Cecile Orchestra, under direction of 
W. Ernest F. Erdmann. During the afternoon the Orchestra 
played as extra numbers “My Maryland March” and “An 
American Abroad,” an international fantasy. The orchestra: 


Violins — 

Henry IIalpern, 

Henry K. Rush, 

Gaetano Pinto, 

Hugo Mueller, 

George May. 

Viola — 

Louis Kramer. 

'Cello— 

Alfred Fasano. 

Bass — 

Andrew Bade. 

Flute — 

Anthony Pinto. 

Clarinet — 

Charles W. Freudenvoll. 


Trombones — 

Carl Wolff, 

Burdette Sullivan. 
Trumpets — 

Nicola Del Negro, 

E. Akst. 

Horn, 

Carl Wolff. 

Drums — 

George Maurer, 

John Magdalin. 

Piano — 

I. Mendelssohn. 

Great Organ — 

Harry Alton Russell. 


On Wednesday, October 20, a banquet was held at the 
Hotel McAlpin, in which nearly five hundred ladies and gen¬ 
tlemen participated. Between courses old-time songs were 
sung by everybody to the music of the orchestra. After the 
last course, K. W. George Loesch, as toastmaster, called upon 
M. W. George Freifeld, Grand Master, who felicitated the 
brethren upon the success of the Lodge, and the enjoyably 
appropriate character of the various ceremonies in connec¬ 
tion with the half-century festivities. M. W. Edward M. L. 
Ehlers made a happy speech in eulogy of the Lodge, and 
M. W. John W. Vrooman, who had remained in the city 
expressly to he present, told several amusing anecdotes. R. 
W. William E. Stevens spoke eloquently of the Lodge’s op- 


1915 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


433 


portunities, and E. W. Charles G. F. Wahle delivered a stir¬ 
ring address. Bro. Alvah E. Nichols sang with fine effect, 
“Keep the Home Fires Burning.” Handsome glass souvenirs 
were presented to the ladies, while the men received gold- 
handled pocket knives, appropriately lettered. After the 
speeches, dancing occupied the remainder of the time until 
at an early hour of the morning the last guests departed. 

After an honorable service extending over seventeen years 
as founder and editor-in-chief of the Masonic Standard, 
W. Charles C. Hunt found the increasing demands upon his 
time too onerous, and decided to retire from the journalistic 
field. The brethren had noted Bro. Hunt’s uniform courtesy 
during all the years, and embraced this opportunity to express 
to him their love and admiration. This took the form of 
handsomely engrossed resolutions, suitably framed, which 
were presented by K. W. Charles Miller Williams in behalf 
of the Lodge. Bro. Hunt was most agreeably surprised at 
this manifestation and remarked that it was the first time he 
had ever heard of an editor being so honored. He thanked 
the brethren for the beautiful sentiments conveyed, and was 
enthusiastically applauded. 

The first Tuesday of December had been set apart by E. 
W. Frank Herwig, District Deputy of the Seventh, for his 
official visitation to the Lodge. There was a large attendance 
in the Grand Lodge Eoom when the gavel sounded. Eoutine 
business was disposed of with timely speed, and then the 
distinguished visitor of the day was escorted by a large dele¬ 
gation of the Masters of the district and members of the 
Square Club. It was a brilliant and impressive scene as the 
District Deputy was received. During the afternoon a large 
bouquet of handsome chrysanthemums was presented to the 
District Deputy by E. W. George Loesch, who referred to 
the loyalty of St. Cecile Lodge to the Grand Master and his 
representative. Bro. Herwig was touched by this tribute and 
thanked the brethren for their courtesy. He also thanked 
the brethren for a check for $928.20, the third contribution 


434 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


of St. Cecile Lodge towards the elimination of the indebted¬ 
ness cm the metropolitan property. It was a day of music and 
good fellowship. Before adjournment W. Harry A. Greene, 
chairman, announced the annual St. Cecile concert at the 
Home for Incurables, to be given on Tuesday, December 14. 

The theatrical fields of endeavor constantly contribute 
their quota to swell the ranks of the Lodge. From every part 
of the house they come, proprietors, managers, actors, musi¬ 
cians, and every sort of mechanical occupation about the 
theatre, these brothers meet upon the level in St. Cecile 
Lodge. A partial list of the actors who have joined our 
ranks during the last half dozen years follows; all of whom 
are popular in their peculiar sphere: Bros. Frank Forth, 
Karl Pantzer, Vernon Asburn, Bennett S. Mitchell, Archi¬ 
bald McDonald, Clement Culver Christy, Dan Dody, Fred¬ 
erick A. Beane, Joseph H. Phillips, Frank L. Hall, 
Dallas Welford, Lester Brown, Harry Deveaux, Frank- 
lyn Boberts, Lincoln Plumer, George LeMaire, Walter (“Sel- 
zer”) Waters, Thomas G. Fortune, Peter H. Keller, John H. 
Wood (Martine), William E. Armstrong, Joseph Salsburg 
(Rinaldo), Maxwell Holden, “Al” Jolson, Lee Hickman, 
Adolph Pfitzenmeyer, Howard W. Anderson, James Butler 
Haviland, the late John H. Bunny, Clarence Jack Bell, “Al” 
K. Hall, Mark Adams, Thomas Roy Barnes, Frank J. Otto, 
Charles B. Middleton, Samuel Dody, Alonzo Wood 
Hagedorn, Arthur Mehlinger, Frederick C. Weaver, Joseph 
Many Burton, Harry A. Silvey, Bertie Binns, George H. 
Binns, Claude M. Roode (survivor of the Arabic ), George 
E. Whiting, Edward F. Beamish, J. K. Adams, Leon Rogee, 
Frank Fulton Damsel, James Budd Hill, Benjamin Beyer, 
Lew Hilton, Benjamin McHally and Bernard F. Woods. 
These highly paid entertainers are so well known that fur¬ 
ther comment is unnecessary. 

The managers’ office and the front of the house are well rep¬ 
resented in St. Cecile Lodge, as will be seen from an incom¬ 
plete list selected at random from the acquisitions of the last 


1915 ] 


OF ST. CEGILE LODGE. 


435 


few years, which are named somewhat in the order of senior¬ 
ity: Bro. Isidor H. Herk, Jule. Bernstein, James J. Lowry, 
William H. Boehm, George Leffler, Barney Gerard, David 
Wark Griffith (F. C.), Harry Bose, William W. Woolfolk, 
Frank A. Girard, John J. Moynihan, Leon Spachner, William 
C. Cubitt, John M. Fanlhaber, Charles H. Davis, Frank 
Coren, Louis B. Mayer, Morris Streimer, Carl D. Lothrop. 

Among the men who work behind the scenes, modestly per¬ 
forming the highly important services necessary to the suc¬ 
cess of all stage pictures, whether it be grand opera or the 
more modern form of art, are found many dyed-in-the-wool 
Masons, who appreciate the advantages of fellowship and 
take every opportunity to attend lodge. Many of these are 
masters of their art—in the very nature of things they must 
be. Electricians, scene painters, carpenters, property mas¬ 
ters, in fact, even the humblest attendant, may be a well 
informed brother of the fraternity. St. Cecile is very well 
represented among the indispensable talent “back stage.” 
These brothers have been welcomed to our ranks in recent 
years: Bro. Benjamin Leffler, William J. Wolf, Frederick 
G. Gaus, William A. Schellberg, Thomas S. Beyes, Adolph 
Werber, Frank J. King, James E. Smith, Philip Crispano, 
Bobert Shingleton, Harry C. Gill, David Berk, Herman 
Eield, Frederick Thomas, Charles J. Bedmond, Julius H. 
Schwarz, William Hilgenberg, Arthur E. Kelson, Harold 
Williams, John W. Brousseau, Henry Metzner, Albert Mar¬ 
shall, Edward O. Boelker, Frank Felder, George I. Field, 
Bernard Quatrochi, Walter Lewis, Odo B. Shoff, Conrad G. 
Mueller, Morris Jacobs, David Bosenthal, Harry L. Wil¬ 
liams, Frederick Fehlhaber, August C. Koehler, Harry Bob- 
erts, Frank G. Lemaster, Jacob Flamm (E. A.), Ira B. 
Scribner. 

Ho less than twenty well known brothers passed away dur¬ 
ing the year. Among them was Brother Alexander Davis 
(52), at the time of his death the oldest member of the 
Lodge; Brother Louis A. Lesure, well known to leading mu- 


436 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1915 


sicians, met his death the week before Christmas by falling 
from the roof of his house while extinguishing a fire. Both 
of these brothers were greatly mourned by a host of friends. 
Among those reported as ill was Bro. William L. Bowron, 
widely known as “Elk No. 1,” who resides in California. 
His death occurred in October. 

Notwithstanding the heavy drain upon the treasury dur¬ 
ing this festal year the financial strength of the Lodge was 
found to be satisfactory at the close of the year, and the 
membership increasing steadily. 



Bro Al. C. Perplgnau. 



1916 ] 


OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


437 


1916. 

W. Bro. William Boyd Tindle (Linotype Operator)— 
Raised in St. Cecile Lodge, No. 568, September 5, 1905. 
Appointed Junior Master of Ceremonies 1910; Junior Dea¬ 
con 1912; Senior Deacon 1913; elected Junior Warden 
1914; Senior Warden 1915; Master 1916. 

In the Royal Arch and among the Knights Templars W. 
Bro. Tindle is as versatile as in St. Cecile Lodge, and has 
been honored with executive positions in all the various day¬ 
light organizations, being Past High Priest of Corinthian 
Chapter, No. 159 (1914); Past Illustrious Master of Colum¬ 
bian Council, No. 1 (1913); Past Commander Ivanhoe 
Commandery, No. 36 (1915). Bro. Tindle is a member of 
the Square Club and other organizations, and wears the red 
fez at Mecca Temple, N. A. O. N. M. S. As a presiding 
officer he is affable and courteous, and his attention to the 
standard work, coupled with unusual Masonic experience, 
enable him to perform the duties of Worshipful Master with 
intelligent thoroughness, which has resulted in marked ad¬ 
vantage to the Lodge. Bro. Tindle was horn in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, and is the sixth son of the Keystone State to preside 
over St. Cecile Lodge. 

The Worshipful Master of 1916 is fortunate in his sup¬ 
porting staff. Each officer has shown marked interest in 
the work, which, coupled with good attendance, has left 
its impress upon the membership. A brief mention of the 
line officers follows: 

Bro. Alvah Edgar Nichols, Senior Warden, is a baritone 
singer of great power and pleasing personality and enjoys 
the esteem of the brethren, among whom he is very popular. 

Dr. Ira Brewster Terry, Jr., “the pillar of beauty,” is a 
well known surgeon of the city who occupies a place of 


438 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1916 


importance in a leading hospital, and who is deeply interested 
in the success of the Lodge. 

The Treasurer, R. W. George E. Wallen, and the Secre¬ 
tary, R. W. Charles Miller Williams, are both P. M.’s of the 
Lodge, who have also served as Grand Lodge officials. 

The Trustees are W. Harry W. Entwistle, W. Ernest F. 
Erdmann and W. Abel S. Holcomb, all of whom are Past 
Masters of experience. 

Bro. Claude R. Fox, Senior Deacon, although but a few 
years in the craft, has already attracted the commendation 
of the Assitant Grand Lecturer, who selected him as one of 
his principal aides. Bro. Eox is a mortuary director. 

Bro. Joseph A. Kapp, Junior Deacon, is a prosperous busi¬ 
ness man, and, although the head of a large corporation, 
finds time to perform his duties in the Lodge. 

Bro. Charles W. Reed, Senior Master of Ceremonies, is 
chief machinist of a large linotype plant. 

Bro. Christian A. Moe, Junior Master of Ceremonies, is 
a photo-engraver on one of the large daily newspapers. 

Bro. John Valentine, Senior Steward, is a railroad termi¬ 
nal man. 

Bro. William Lawrason, Junior Steward, is the proprietor 
of a prosperous linotyping business. 

W. Harry A. Greene, Marshal, is a Mason of mature expe¬ 
rience, having served the Lodge in every station and place 
in it. 

R. W. George Loesch, P. D. D., Seventh, is almost too 
well known to require introduction here. He is at present 
a high official of one of the large life insurance companies. 

Bro. Frank S. Rix, Chaplain, carries on a large coal busi¬ 
ness, besides being an official of several railroads. 

R. W. George W. Hackenberger, P. G. S., is the popular 
Historian of the Lodge. He is one of the very few who 
were called upon to serve a second term as Master. Bro. 
Hackenberger is a chemist of wide experience, and occupies 
a position of importance in the American Druggists’ 
Syndicate. 


1916 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


439 


W. Harry Alton Russell, the talented organist of the 
Lodge, is one of the noted musicians of the city, and has been 
at his place in the Lodge for more than twenty years. 

W. Joseph McElroy, the esteemed Tiler, is also Tiler of 
the Grand Lodge of the State of Hew York, as was his father 
before him. 

Bro. Raymond R. Minor, the veteran in charge of the 
coat room, is an Active Honorary (Ho. 187), and has been 
affiliated with St. Cecile since January, 1881. 

There are a very considerable number of brothers who, 
though not listed among the regular officers of the Lodge, 
should receive “honorable mention,” as alternates in the ab¬ 
sence of the above. Without the valuable assistance of these 
brothers, who are always willing to fill in, the Worshipful 
Master at times would find himself in an embarrassing 
dilemma. It is but simple justice to name a few of these 
devoted workers. Bro. Frederick H. Renner, the alert guide 
of the Fellow Craft team, is an invaluable assistant at all 
times, as is also Bro. George Kellington. Bro. John H. 
Wood, Bro. Frank King (when in the city), Bro. Ben Geiger, 
Bro. Fred C. Weaver and Bro. “Billie” Cubitt also deserve 
credit for much onerous committee work. It is, of course, 
out of the question to name all who help in various ways to 
carry on the work of the Lodge. 


The work of the lodge as indicated by the official records 
from year to year is quite interesting to those who love to 
delve into statistics, and for their benefit the accompanying 
tables are inserted. It must be understood, in considering 
the classified membership table, that there have been a num¬ 
ber of brethren who, after receiving their first or second de¬ 
gree, have gone away, doubtless on traveling engagements, 
and have never consummated their membership. For the 
above reason the table is necessarily incomplete in some mi¬ 
nor details. 



140 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1916 


STATISTICS OF MEMBERSHIP. 


Year. 

Worshipful Masters. 

No. Members. 

Raised. 

1865.. 

FRED’K WIDDOWS. 

22 

4 

1866.. 

a « 

36 

18 

1867. . 

GEORGE F. ILSLEY. 

62 

18 

1868.. 

u u 

78 

11 

1869.. 

JOHN M. BURNETT. 

86 

10 

1870.. 

DAVID L. DOWNING.... 

74 

5 

1871.. 

WM. F. SHERWIN. 

91 

30 

1872.. 

MYRON A. DECKER. 

86 

11 

1873.. 

U U 

106 

7 

1S74.. 

u u 

109 

5 

1875.. 

EDWARD HOPKINS. 

108 

3 

1876.. 

a « 

112 

5 

1877.. 

a a 

117 

4 

1878.. 

WM. J. LEONARD. 

109 

2 

1879.. 

U U 

99 

3 

1S80.. 

THEODORE JACOBY. 

92 


1881.. 

JOHN H. ALLEN. 

103 

6 

1882. . 

U U 

116 

13 

1883.. 

a « 

122 

6 

1S84.. 

u a 

132 

7 

1885.. 

ALLAN LATHAM. 

139 

9 

1886.. 

DAVID H. AGAN. 

134 

3 

1887. . 

MYRON A. DECKER. 

149 

11 

1888.. 

CHARLES H. GOVAN.... 

150 

13 

1889. . 

JOHN E. MORSE. 

157 

7 

1890.. 

MICHAEL SCIILIG. 

177 

25 

1891.. 

WM. H DONOGH. 

192 

23 

1892.. 

ROBERT RECKER. 

210 

19 

1893.. 

U U 

239 

31 

1894.. 

u u 

249 

32 

1895. . 

JAMES II. CURTIN. 

284 

33 

1896.. 

C. EDWARD LOW. 

304 

25 

1897. . 

« a 

316 

18 

1393.. 

ARTHUR J. BISNETT.... 

343 

36 

1899.. 

u u 

344 

29 

1900.. 

WILLIAM B. CLAYTON.. 

367 

25 

1901.. 

THEODORE TIIIELER... 

385 

36 

1902.. 

HARRY A. GREENE. 

424 

50 

1903.. 

GEORGE LOESCH. 

457 

41 

1904.. 

GEORGE E. WALLEN.... 

490 

42 

1905.. 

GEORGE JOHNSTON. 

502 

29 

1906.. 

WILLIAM E. TWAY. 

519 

33 

1907.. 

G. W. HACKENBERGER.. 

540 

32 

1908.. 

G. W. HACKENBERGER.. 

559 

32 

1909.. 

HARRY W. ENTWISTLE. 

590 

42 

1910.. 

JOHN JAY DOWERS. 

618 

41 

1911.. 

C. FRANK SHEPARD. 

637 

31 

1912.. 

CHARLES M. WILLIAMS* 

663 

33 

1913.. 

ABEL S. HOLCOMB. 

672 

34 

1914.. 

ERNEST F. ERDMANN.. 

662 

31 

1915.. 

C. F. BRODIE. 

672 

43 

1916.. 

W. B. TINDLE**. 

678 

21 



* Ten names added to Roll as result of certified accountants’ audit. 

** Incomplete. (First six months.) 


Rejected. 
















































































































1916 ] 


OF ST. CECILS LODGE. 


44 ] 


An instructive table is one showing the financial opera¬ 
tions of the lodge. This may he accepted as the only reliable 
barometer by which the lodge’s prosperity may be measured 
from year to year. 


PLACES OF MEETING AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 


Year. 

W. M. | 

Place of 
Meeting. 

Date 
of Re¬ 
moval. 

No. 1 
Mem¬ 
bers. 

Receipts. 

Expenses. 

G. L. 
Dues. 

Funds. 

1865.. 

Widdows. 

594 B’wav 



22 

$556.75 

$569.00 

$13.13 

r/e/,812.25 

1866.. 

it 

4th & Greene 

Feb. 20. 

36 

1,012.67 

503.47 

67.87 

' 509 20 

1867. . 

Ilsley.... 

594 B’way 

• •. 

April 22 

62 

1,221.25 

1,212.28 

110.13 

518.11 

1868. . 

tt 

it 



7S 

815.42 

795.88 

80.06 

537.77 

1869.. 

Burnett. . 

a 



86 

877.50 

1,002.43 

75.62 

412.78 

1870. . 

Downing. 

a 



74 

826.34 

732.21 

67.37 

506.91 

1871.. 

Sherwin. . 

u 



91 

715.75 

773.95 

75.00 

411.74 

1872. . 

Decker... 

94S B’way... 

May 7 . 

86 

1,226.47 

861.21 

92.76 

777.00 

1873.. 

it 

if 



106 

769.42 

1,094.25 

72.50 

559.11 

1874.. 

. u 

a 



109 

918.00 

756.03 

125.25 

721.08 

1875.. 

Hopkins.. 

Tuscan Room 

May 4. 

108 

1,067.88 

1,002.98 

137.75 

712.20 

1876.. 

tt 

tt 

tt 


112 

888.75 

923.90 

135.75 

602.05 

1877. . 

a 

u 

a 


117 

731.50 

807.50 

130.00 

567 45 

1878.. 

Leonard.. 

948 B’way ... 

May 7. 

109 

831.25 

794.47 

134.25 

604.23 

1879. . 

a 

U 



99 

664.35 

647.86 

111.25 

555.06 

1880 

Jacoby.. . 

tt 



92 

587.00 

727.27 

124.75 

428.31 

1881 

Allen.... 

« 



103 

671.50 

585.85 

104.25 

522.18 

1882.. 

it 

115-117 W.23 

May 2. 

116 

934.25 

742.09 

126.50 

721.98 

1883.. 

a 

tt 

u 


122 

884.50 

747.69 

154.00 

870.73 

1884.. 

a 

tt 

a 


132 

972.75 

766.31 

153.50 

1,096 67 

1885.. 

Latham. . 

Tuscan Room 

May 3. 

139 

1,082.00 

7S7.89 

106.49 

1,217.96 

1886.. 

Agan.... 

it 

a 


134 

1,176.16 

1,258.46 

168.00 

1,168.02 

1887.. 

Decker... 

a 

a 


149 

1,188.50 

1,630.07 

78.50 

750.73 

1888 

Govan . . . 

u 

a 


150 

1,082.50 

983.50 

112.00 

863.84 

1889.. 

Morse.... 

u 

tt 


157 

1,080.50 

1,040.10 

134.50 

891.55 

1890.. 

Schlig.... 

u 

a 


177 

1,890.00 

1,286.09 

110.25 

1,512.69 

1891.. 

Donogh. . 

u 

it 


192 

1,559.78 

1,444.28 

197.00 

1,669.42 

1892.. 

Recker.. . 

a 

a 


210 

2,145.09 

1,305.33 

164.25 

2,557.10 

1893.. 

a 

tt 

a 


239 

1,747.52 

1,363.51 

189.00 

3,011.82 

1894.. 

tt 

tt 

tt 


249 

2,385.30 

1,485.00 

225.00 

4,008.37 

1895.. 

Curtin. . . 

u 

a 


284 

2,299.00 

1,866.99 

247.25 

4,566.63 

1896 

TiOw. . 

tt 

tt 


304 

2.S14.00 

2,073.74 

257.25 

5,343.73 

1897 

tt 

a 

a 


316 

2,289.05 

1,644.00 

252.00 

6,168.18 

1898 


tt 

tt 


343 

2,830.50 

1,896.12 

263.00 

7,113.26 

1899. . 

u 

a 

u 


344 

2,509.00 

2,659.03 

303.50 

d.7,187.23 

1900.. 

Clayton.. 

a 

it 


367 

2,728.00 

2,499.43 

252.75 

7,640.80 

1901.. 

Theiler... 

tt 

tt 


385 

3,513.69 

2,377.93 

2S7.25 

9,006.99 

1902.. 

Greene.. . 

a 

it 


424 

4,108.92 

2,827.79 

331.00 

10,557.38 

1903.. 

Loesch. . . 

u 

it 


457 

5,098.76 

3,674.07 

368.00 

12,306.21 

1904.. 

Wallen.. . 

u 

it 


490 

4,107.17 

3,477.20 

466.25 

13,318.85 

1905.. 

Johnston. 

a 

it 


502 

'4,386.83 

3,307.45 

348.50 

14,836.75 

1906.. 

Tway. . . . 

u 

it 


519 

6,690.86 

6,265.77 

532.25 

15,764.41 

1907.. 

Hacken- 










berger.. . 

a 

it 


540 

5,157.14 

5,200.93 

657.00 

15,720.98 

1908 . 

"u 

a 

it 


559 

5,135.25 

4,862.40 

666.75 

14,552.75 

1909.. 

Entwistle 

Renaissance.. 

Nov. 30 

590 

4,924.00 

7,123.72 

672.75 

15,962.73 

1910 


U 



618 

5,876.52 

6,775.66 

697.75 

15,122.99 

1911 


u 



637 

5,951.05 

6,202.67 

770.00 

15,538.64 

1912 


a 



663 

6,763.16 

7,298.16 

770.25 

13,415.19 

1913.. 

Holcomb . 

Colonial. 


May 6. 

672 

*7,069.66 

*9,438.44 

759.25 

11,485.53 

1914 


ii 



662 

*8,734.21 

*8,643.41 

772.50 

12,476.55 

1915 

Brodio 

a 


672 

*7,910.55 

1 * ** 12,684.54 

835.50 

8,094.06 

1916.. 

Tindle. . . 

“ . 


**678 

4,365.97 

| 3,573.17 

773.00 

8,886.8o 


* Includes Grand Lodge pro rate assessment and 50th Anniversary Accounts. 

** First Six Months, 1916. 

















































































442 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1916 


It is a curious circumstance, purely accidental, that the 
number of names of members who had been accepted and 
enrolled from 1865 to 1907, which reaches up to the 1000th 
Communication, total 993, thus only lacking seven of making 
the number identical with the number of communications. 
The greater number of meetings were held in Tuscan Room 
of the Temple, where the lodge made its home continuously 
from May 5, 1885, to November 30, 1909. Other places of 
meeting are noted elsewhere. 


Brethren, the pleasurable task of placing in permanent 
form the annals of St. Ceeile Lodge draws to a close. It has 
been a labor of love, and the pen is relinquished with a sigh 
of regret. A great many interesting anecdotes and details 
of occurrences in and out of the lodge concerning the mem¬ 
bership, lacking verification, have necessarily been omitted. 
For our shortcomings in what is here presented we ask the 
fraternal indulgence of our readers. There is the hope that 
in coming years other and abler hands will take up the 
continuation of this record of well-doing, carrying it for¬ 
ward with increased power against that day in the far dis¬ 
tant future when St. Ceeile has gloriously fulfilled her des¬ 
tiny and is no more. May the achievements of the brethren 
of the past inspire those of the present and future to greater 
efforts, and may the blessing of the Supreme Architect of the 
Universe rest upon St. Ceeile and all regular lodges now and 
forevermore! 

Between two worlds life hovers like a star, 

’Twixt night and morn, upon the horizon’s verge: 

How little do we know that which we are, 

How less what we may be.— Byron. 



1916 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


443 


L’ENVOI. 

By Rudyard Kipling. 

My new-cut ashler takes the light 

Where crimson-blank the windows flare; 

By my own work before the night, 

Great Overseer, I make my prayer. 

If there be good in that I wrought, 

Thy hand compelled it, Master, Thine; 

Where I have failed to meet Thy thought 
I know, through Thee, the blame is mine. 

One instant’s toil to Thee denied 
Stands all eternity’s offence, 

Of that I did with Thee to guide 

To Thee, through Thee, be excellence. 

Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, 

Bring’st Eden to the craftsman’s brain, 

Godlike to muse o’er his own trade 
And Manlike stand with God again. 

The depth and dream of my desire, 

The bitter paths wherein I stray— 

Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire, 
Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay. 

One stone the more swings to her place 
In that dread temple of Thy worth— 

It is enough that through Thy grace 
I saw naught common on Thy earth. 

Take not that vision from my ken; 

Oh whatso’er may spoil.or speed, 

Help me to need no aid from men 
That I may help such men as need. 


444 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1916 


TRIBUTE TO BROTHER A. M. H. 

(Deceased) 

By a member of the Lambs Club. 

A brother Lamb has joined the immortal throng. 
That genial soul, brave, lovable and strong, 

That kindly nature, of intrinsic worth, 

Has looked his last on all we know of Earth. 
With finite minds, we strive to learn the cause, 
Beyond the workings strange of infinite laws, 

Alas! How vainly, for inexorable Fate 
Proclaims our tragic lessons learned too late. 

We can but hold his treasured memory dear, 
Recalling hours when, ’twixt a smile and tear, 

He gave us of his best, by word and deed 
And never failed a friend, in time of need. 

God send his loved ones strength to bear their cross, 
The balm of resignation, in their loss. 

The mortal man will rest, beneath the sod. 

The living soul is with Almighty God. 


—J. C. H. 


1816 ] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


445 


THANKS 


For valuable assistance rendered the Historian in the prep¬ 
aration of this work, the thanks of St. Cecile Lodge are here¬ 
by gratefully extended to the following brethren: 

Bro. Laurence O’Reilly, of Ridgewood Lodge, No. 710. 

Officials of the Grand Secretary’s Office. 

Bro. William L. D. Wright, of Highland Lodge, No. 80, Jersey City. 
Bro. A. Merz, of Greenwich Lodge, No. 467. 

Bro. Robert S. Wardle, of Excelsior Lodge, No. 195. 

Bro. John J. McAlister, of Eureka Lodge, No. 243. 

W. Bro. James W. Downing, of Worth Lodge, No. 210. 

W. Bro. William E. Dennison, of New Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9, 
Washington, D. C. 

W. Bro. Joseph H. Clarke, also of New Jerusalem Lodge. 

Bro. Henry Hahn, of Marsh Lodge, No. 188. 

Bro. Charles H. Hayward, of Americus Lodge, No. 535. 

Bro. George F. Malby, of Montauk Lodge, No. 286. 

Bro. R. C. Burnside, New York Lodge, No. 330. 

Bro. Frederick W. White, of Masters’ Lodge, No. 5. 

Bro. Henry Stowell, of King Solomon’s Primitive Lodge, No. 91. 
Bro. Hubert P. Main, of Bigelow & Main. 

And also the following brethren of St. Cecile Lodge: 

Bro. Joseph Greenbaum. 

Bro. John G. Pfeiffer, Past Senior Warden. 

W. Bro. Charles H. Govan. 

Bro. Samuel McCandless. 



446 


FIFTY YEARS 


BE WISE 


So live that when thy summons comes to join 
The innumerable caravan that moves 
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death, 

Thou go not like the quarry slave at night.— Bryant. 




[1916 



1910 ] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


447 


Cftese 'Brethren Best. 


It must be so: Plato, thou reasonest well; 

Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire, 
This longing after immortality? 

Or whence this secret dread and inward horror 
Of falling into nought? Why shrinks the soul 
Back on itself, and startles at destruction? 

’Tis the divinity that stirs within us; 

’Tis heaven itself that points out a hereafter, 
And intimates eternity to man.— Addison. 


1870. 

Feb. 17, Bro. Edward Dalling. 

1871. 

July 27, Bro. William H. Dyas. 

1873. 

Sept. 2, Bro Joun G. Beisheim. 
Nov. 21, Bro. Luigi Squadrilli. 

1874. 

Jan. 28, Bro. John M. Burnet, P.M. 

1876. 

March 16, Bro. Louis Fromme. 
Nov. 13, Bro. Michael O’Reilly. 

1877. 

April 6, Bro. David Graham. 
Nov. 24, Bro. A. L. O. Breitkopf. 
Feb., Bro. Richard S. Campbell. 

1878. 

July 19, Bro. Charles II. Ludwig. 

1879. 

June 22, Bro. Edward A. Hagan. 

1880. 

Aug. 19, David L. Downing, P.M. 
Oct. 22, Bro. Henry J. Beckett. 


1881. 

Sept. 9, Bro. Sigismund Voytits. 

1882. 

May 3, Bro. Dionysius Barron. 
June 1, Bro. IIans J. Theo. Dyring. 

1883. 

March 16, Bro. Millard F. Horton. 
Sept. 5, Bro. Jabez Freeth. - 

1884. 

Feb. 19, David H. Braham. 

April 4, Bro. Alfred Burnett. 
Oct. 20, Bro. Louis Ernst. 

1885. 

June 16, Bro. Harry A. Froom. 
Dec. 10, Bro. Christian Mihr. 

1886. 

April 16, Bro. Henry Tissington. 
Oct. 28, Bro. Sullivan A. Bates. 

1887. 

June 4, Bro. Thomas A. Howard. 

o 

1888. 

Feb. 4, Bro. William H. Living¬ 
ston. 

Mar. 27, Bro. Nathaniel Sawyer. 
April 14, Bro. William A. Sher- 
WIN, P. M. 



448 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1916 


1889. 

Jari. 16, Bro. Martin Papst. 

Dec. 10, Bro. Frederick Carl. 

1890. 

Aug. 25, Bro. George Hilden- 
brand. 

Sept. 6, Bro. Benjamin A. Baker. 

1891. 

March 24, Bro. Chapin Lucy. 
April 19, Bro. Augustus B. 
Palmer. 

June 13, Bro. Francesco Ramac- 
cioxto. 

Aug. 30, Bro. Andrew Poulson. 

1892. 

March 2, Bro. Thomas E. Oakes. 
March 27, Bro. James E. Don¬ 
ovan. 

June 13, Bro. Michael C. Daly. 
July 10, Bro. George W. Morgan. 

1893. 

Feb. 17, Bro. James G. Sands. 
March 8, Bro. Alexander Magner. 
July 17, Bro. Frederick Wid- 
dows, P. M. 

Nov. 27, Bro. Charles H. Davis. 

1894. 

Jan. 5, Bro. Ralph W. Nisbet. 
Jan. 28, Julius Bernstein. 

June 7, Bro. Emil H. Habercorn. 
Nov. 11, Bro. Robert Scott. 

1895. 

Oct. 14, Bro. Thomas Russell. 
Dec. 12, Bro. J. C. Frederick 
Reitzel. 


1896. 

March 15, Bro. Edward G. Jar- 

DINE. 

May 2, Bro. Christian Jauss. 
May 2, Bro. Alfred C. Kruger. 
July 5, Bro. Charles F. Hilde- 
brant. 

Aug. 8, Bro. William W. Walter. 

1897. 

Jan. 8, Bro. Theodore Jacoby, P. M. 
Feb. 23, Bro. Michael Schlig, P. M. 
Mar. 13, Bro. George F. Ilsley, P.M. 
Nov. 1, Bro. Edward P. Chase. 

1898. 

Feb. 23, Bro. Charles F. Bus¬ 
sing. 

Oct. 8, Bro. Albert Erfurth. 
Nov. 16, Christian Michl. 

Dec. 5, Hilmar A. Himmelreich. 
Dec. 16, John Winter. 

1899. 

Jan. 24, Bro. Charles R. Young. 
Jan. 28, Bro. Judson C. Smith. 
April 27, Bro. Samuel T. Jack. 
June 11, Bro. James W. Hart. 
June 26, Bro. Frederick W. Fab- 

RICUS. 

July 13, Bro. Charles Petit. 

Aug. 30, Bro. Ernest Neyer. 

Oct. 14, Bro. Edward E. Wil¬ 
liams. 

Oct. 22, Bro. Charles Wright. 
Nov. 17, William E. Fredericks. 
Dec. 17, William Rowell. 

1900. 

Jan. 15 , Bro. Felix Morris. 

April 19, Bro. John C. Barnes. 
May 31, Bro. Thomas E. Easlik. 
June30, Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr. 
June 30, Bro. Thomas Baugh. 
Aug. 9, Bro. William J. Ballard. 
Dec. 25, Bro. John W. Smith. 


191G] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


449 


1901. 

Jan. 8, Bro. James H. Thurston. 
July 19, Bro. Samuel H. Morris. 
Aug. 16, Bro. Myron A. Decker, 
P. M. 

Aug. 25, Bro. Henry J. Johnson. 
Oct. 25, Bro. James T. Keese. 
Dec. 8, Bro. Jacob Mallach. 

1902. 

April 13, Bro. Montague L. An¬ 
drews. 

June 16, Bro. John F. Mund- 
wyler. 

July 5, Bro. John A. Stromberg. 
Aug. 9, Bro. Stephen P. Cooney. 
Sept. 24, Bro. John W. I sham. 
Nov. 27, Bro. Henry Wanne- 
macher. 

Dec. 18, Bro. James Le Clair. 

1903. 

Jan. 28, Bro. Frank F. Goss. 
Feb. 8, Bro. Jacob Schoenberger. 
March 3, Bro. Theodore Thieler, 
P. M. 

Mar. 31, Bro. Edward A. Janeway. 
June 10, Bro. Orville A. Todd. 
Aug. 8, Bro. Alvin G. Koehler. 
Dec. 2, Bro. John F. Lyons. 

Dec. 3, Bro. Joseph E. Bernolfo. 

1904. 

Feb. 19, Bro. Louis Rendt. » 
Feb. 29, Paul Drosihn. 

July 31, Bro. Charles G. Skinner. 
Aug. 9, Bro. Albert W. Warden. 
Oct. 2, Bro. George S. Robinson. 
Oct. 13, Bro. Thomas W. Valen¬ 
tine. 

Dec. 15, Bro. Thomas P. Col- 
houer. 

Dec. 16, Bro. Cornelius L. 
Twiggs. 


1905. 

Jan. 11, Bro. Charles W. Rodman. 
April 4, Bro. Albert Durbrow. 
May 31, Bro. Augustus P. 
Greene. 

July 28, Bro. Charles Puerner. 
Oct. 7, John M. Lander. 

Oct. 16, Bro. George Ramseyer. 


1906. 

April 19, Bro. Wm. F. Heckman. 
May 29, Bro. Franz E. Hess. 
Aug. 18, Bro. Benjamin E. Hays. 
Oct. 2, Robert H. Potts. 

Nov. 25, Ernest D. Johnson. 


1907. 

April 9, Bro. William H. Don- 
ough, P. M. 

April 29, Bro. Theodore A. Cays. 
May 31, Bro. George H. Foster. 
Aug. 1, Bro. Charles H. Mc¬ 
Pherson. 

Aug. 6, Bro. John C. Swope. 
Sept. 12, Bro. Louis A. Johnson. 
Sept. 27, Bro. Albert W. Bailey. 
Nov. 1, Bro. Samuel Weston. 
Dec. 2, Bro. Agostino P. Cerillo. 
Dec. 17, Bro. William A. Beebe. 
Dec. 21, Bro. Edward C. Low, P.M. 


1908. 

Jan. 3, Bro. William B. Wil¬ 
son. 

Jan. 16, Bro. Harry Stone. 

Jan. 20, Bro. Merritt W. Rogers, 

March 23, Bro. Thomas S. Ned- 
ham. 

June 1, Bro. Eugene O. Jepson. 

July 31, Bro. Winfield S. Weed- 
on. 

Oct. 22, Bro. Irving J. Cook. 


450 


FIFTY YEARS 


[1916 


1909. 

Jan. 30, Bro. Elmer L. Ingalls. 
Apr. 6, Bro. Harry F. Erthieler. 
April 13, Bro. Ridge Waller. 
June 9, Bro. Charles J. Greene. 
June 11, Bro. William M. Young. 
Aug. 1, Bro. Otto W. Stigler 
(E. A.). 

Oct. 7, Bro. Abraham L. Mish- 
ler. 

Dec. 23, Bro. George W. Swope. 


1910. 

March 3, Bro. Imro Fox (Isidor 
Fuchs). 

March 9, Bro. John P. Scho¬ 
field. 

April 21, Bro. John McGowan. 
May 8, Bro. Wm. E. Tway, P. M. 
June 21, Bro. Frank B. Carr. 
Oct. 18, Bro. John H. Heilbeck. 
Oct. 25, Bro. Mark Ellsworth. 
Dec. 10, Bro. Lucien J. Gaugler. 


1911. 

Jan. 30, Bro. Joseph De Bona. 
Feb. 15, Bro. John B. Dausch. 
March 25, Bro. Walter T. Stern- 
enberg. 

May 20, Bro. William H. Hickey. 
July 7, Bro. John J. Griffith. 
Aug. 17, Bro. Henry J. McCor¬ 
mick. 

Sept. 16, Bro. Charles R. Norman. 
Nov. 12, Bro. George J. Cannon. 


1912. 

Feb. 6, Bro. Allan W. Latham, P.M. 
Feb. 25, Bro. Laurence O’Reilly. 
March 2, Bro. Bernard D. Price. 
Mar. 12, Bro. Charles A. Bigelow. 
March 25, Bro. Balthazer Kis- 
senberth. 

April 9, Bro. Charles M. Carter. 
May 3, Bro. Louis Egner. 

June 13, Bro. Edward C. Frizzell. 
Nov. 8, Bro. David H. Agan, P. M. 


1913. 

Jan. 18, Bro. David C. Paterson. 
Feb. 19, Bro. Max S. Friedman. 
Feb. 20, Bro. Edward J. Drugan. 
Feb. 26, Bro. John Edward 
Morse, P. M. 

March 14, Bro. John W. Peck. 
May 15, Bro. William M. Thoms. 
July 3, Bro. William W. Hatch. 
Aug. 5, Bro. Reuben Withers. 


1914. 

J an.28,BRO. Frank L. Hall (E. A.). 
March 6, Bro. James B. Smith. 
April 7, Bro. Louis J. Friedenberg. 
April 22, Bro. Joseph L. Henning. 
May 17, Bro. Edward M. Lang. 
May 20, Bro. Joseph Ansbacher. 
June 20, Bro. Edwin A. Rogers. 
Sept. 16, Bro. Herman P. Foerster. 
Oct. 8, Bro. William Collins 
Marsh. 

Oct. 11, Bro. Arthur C. G. Weld. 
Nov. 25, Bro. Frank A. De Bona. 
Nov. 29, Bro. Carl Henry 
Michaels (E. A.). 
Dec. 4, Bro. John T. Wardley. 


191G] 


OF ST. CEOILE LODGE. 


451 


1915. 

Jan. 1, Bro. Morris Blau. 

Jan. 10, Bro. Marshall P. Wilder. 
Jan. 12, Bro. Joseph D. Jackson. 
Feb. 9, Bro. Irving A. Flesh. 
March 16, Bro. George H. Harris. 
April 12, Bro. Nathan D. Mann. 
April 13, Bro. Bosanquet W. 
Gillis. 

April 14, Bro. Louis W. Begiering. 
April 26, Bro. John Henry 
Bunny. 

June 1, Bro. John A. Shoemaker. 
June 6, Bro. John C. Heilberg 
(Rice). 

June 22, Bro. George B. Reno 
(Cobb). 

Aug. 5, Bro. John C. T. Rettich 
(Stewart). 


Aug. 28, Bro. Elmer Edward 
Troxell. 

Sept. 8, Bro. Christian T. Plate. 
Sept. 11, Bro. John J. Dowers,P.M. 
Sept. 17, Bro. Frederick W. Ecke. 
JDec. 3, Bro. Alexander Davis. 
Dec. 10, Bro. Albert E. Lohman. 
Dec. 17, Bro. Louis A. Lesure. 
Dec. 27, Bro. George D. Free¬ 
stone. 

1916. 

Jan. 10, Bro. Herman Perlet. 
Jan. 24, Bro. Albert E. Krausse. 
Feb. 4, Bro. Robert Recker, P.M. 
May 23, Broi Antonio Bellucci. 
Aug. 22, Bro. Alva M. Holbrook. 
Aug. 25, Bro. James J. Lowry. 
Sept. 4, Bro. William T. Francis. 


-We’ve a record more beautiful and bright 

On which our friendships and our loves to write: 
That these may never from the mind depart, 

We trust them to the memory of the heart. 
There is no dimming—no effacement here, 

Each new pulsation keeps the record clear; 
Warm golden letters all the tablets fill, 

Nor lose their lustre till the heart stands still. 




452 


FIFTY YEARS 


PETITIONERS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 
ST. CECILE LODGE. 

W. Bro. Frederick Widdows, of Clinton Lodge, No. 453. 

Bro. George F. Ilsley, of Americus Lodge, No. 535. 

Bro. George S. Weeks, Jr., of Americus Lodge, No. 535. 

Bro. James Mills, of Excelsior Lodge, No. 195. 

Bro. John R. Thomas, of Mystic Tie Lodge, No. 272. 

Bro. George W. Morgan, of Montauk Lodge, No. 286. 

Bro. Myron A. Decker, of Masters’ Lodge, No. 5. 

* Bro. Richard Horner, of Manitou Lodge, No. 106. 

*Bro. William H. Walter, of Chancellor Walworth Lodge, No. 271. 

* Bro. Edward Molpenhauer, of Absalom Lodge, Hamburg. 

Bro. David Graham, of Worth Lodge, No. 210. 

Bro. Henry Tissington, of Eureka Lodge, No. 243. 

* Did not complete their membership. 


LODGE OFFICERS FOR 1865-66. 


FREDERICK WIDDOWS . 

GEORGE F. ILSLEY. 

THOMAS S. NEDHAM. 

HENRY TISSINGTON . 

DAVID GRAHAM . 

DAVID L. DOWNING. 

NATHANIEL SAWYER . 

HENRY S. CUTLER. 

GEORGE S. WEEKS, JR. 

HARVEY B. DODWORTH. 

DAVID B. JOHNSTON. ] 

HENRY S. CUTLER.t, 

JAMES MILLS .J 

DAVID L. DOWNING.] 

NATHANIEL SAWYER . 

THOMAS G. HOWARD. 

GEORGE W. MORGAN. 

WILLIAM H. WALTER. 

JOHNSTON FOUNTAIN . 


, Master. 

Senior Warden. 
Junior Warden. 
Treasurer. 
Secretary. 

Senior Deacon. 
Junior Deacon. 

Stewards, or M. C. 
Marshal. 

Trustees. 


Standing Committee. 


Organist. 

Tiler. 






















191G] 


OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


453 


HONORARY MEMBERS. 

fBno. William H. Walter, Chancellor Walworth Lodge, No. 271. 
Aug. 1, 1865. 

fM. W. Robert Holmes, Grand Master, July 3, 1867. 
fW. Bro. John Giffin, New York Lodge, No. 330, Feb. 7, 1871. 
fR. W. Isaac Brown, Puritan Lodge, No. 339, Dec. 31, 1872. 
fW. Bro. Robert Thomas, Kane Lodge, No. 454, July 1, 1873. 
tR. W. John C. Boak, Manhattan Lodge, No. 62, Feb. 2, 1875. 
fW. Bro. Edward B. Brush, Amity Lodge, No. 323, Sept. 21, 1875. 
fM. W. Ellwood E. Thorne, Past Grand Master, June 18, 1878. 
fR. W. Frederick Widdows, New Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9, 
Washington, D. C., Nov. 15, 1881. 

fR. W. James E. Morrison, Atlantic Lodge, No. 178, Sept. 19, 1882. 
W. Bro. John H. Allen, Sliekomeko Lodge, No. 458, March 5, 1895. 
R. W. Edward M. L. Eulers, Grand Secretary, April 19, 1898. 
fW. Bro. Eugene C. Akers, United States Lodge, No. 207, Jan. 21,1902. 
fM. W. John Stewart, Past Grand Master, Dec. 2, 1902. 
fW. Bro. Charles Hotmer, Copestone Lodge, No. 641, Dec. 2, 1902. 

Rev. Bro. Thomas Losee, Montauk Lodge, No. 286, Dec. 6, 1904. 
fW. Bro. Francis S. Ginther, University Lodge, No. 610, 
Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 2, 1906. 

R. W. August Eickelberg (Custodian of the Work), 1910. 

R. W. Albert Maxfield, 1914. 

M. W. George Freifeld (Past Grand Master), 1915. 

M. W. Robert J. Kenworthy (Past Grand Master), 1915. 

W. Charles S. Bair, University Lodge, No. 610, Philadelphia, Pa., 1915. 
(a) Bro. Frank S. Rix, 1908. 


(a) Became an active member December 21, 1909. 


ACTIVE HONORARY MEMBERS. 

f42— Christian T. Plate, December 4, 1866. 
f52— Alexander Davis, January 29, 1867. 

58— John G. Pfeiffer, March 5, 1867. 
f80—W. Allan Latham, June 30, 1868. 
f 141— William M. Young, April 7, 1874.^ 
fl67— Reuben Withers, January 16, 1877.^ 
fl68— Joseph L. Henning, January 16, 1877. 

178—W. C. H. Govan, May 21, 1878. 
fl81— John W. Peck, March 18, 1879. 

187 —Raymond R. Minor, January 18, 1881. 

189 — Alfred C. Perpignan, April 5, 1881. 

190— Louis Baer, October 4, 1881. 

210— Joseph M. Laendner, October 31, 1882. 

214— Thomas Grey, October 31, 1882. 

216—Isaac Friedenberg, December 5, 1882. 

225—William G. Newman, March 20. 1883. 

232— William Bayne, October 2, 1883. 

243_W. Merritt W. Larabee, April 1, 1884. 

244— William J. Bailey, April 15, 1884. 

246— Ralph Delmore, July 9, 1S84. 

249—Louis Waechter, November j 8, 1884. 

259—George H. Moore, May 5, 188o. 


f Died. 





TABULAR VIEW OF OFFICERS ELECTED IN ST. CECILE LODGE, NO. 568, F. & A. 









1 


§ 

in 


454 







































































































































































































































TABULAR VIEW OF OFFICERS APPOINTED IN ST. CECILE LODGE, No. 568 F. & A. 


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First six months, 1916. 



























































































































































































































MEMBERS OF 


ST. CECILE LODGE, NO. 568, 

WHO HAVE SERVED AS 

GEAND OFFICEES OF THE GEAND LODGE 
OF NEW YORK 


DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, 
SEVENTH DISTRICT 
George Loesch, 1909-1910. 


GRAND SWORD BEARER 
Charles Miller Williams, 1914-15. 


GRAND STEWARD 
Frederick Widdows, 1867. 
Robert Recker, 1896-1897. 
George W. Hackenberger, 1911-1912. 


GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES 
George Loesch, 1904-1905. 

John J. Dowers, 1912-1913. 


JUNIOR GRAND DEACON 
Frederick Widdows, 1866. 


GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF COLORADO 
George E. Wallen, 1908. 


MUSICAL DIRECTOR OF THE GRAND LODGE 
William F. Sherwin, 1871 








OF ST. CECILE LODGE , 


459 


/ 


MEMBERSHIP LIST. 

THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INITIATED, PASSED, RAISED 
AND AFFILIATED IN ST. CECILE LODGE, NO. 568 

With Date op Signing of By-Laws. 


450 Aarons, Alfred E. 

781 Abarno, Anthony. 

625 Abbott, Frank (Gellert). 

1346 Addison, George B. 

1262*Adkins, John Bangs.. .. 

700 Adler, John M. 

1291 Adolph, Fred. William.. 
219*Agan, David H., P. M .. 

952 Ahlgrim, Arthur H. 

951 Ahlgrim, Paul M. R. .. . 

1275 Alberghini, Louis. 

419 Albrecht, Hans. 

1099 Alexander, George M. . . 

192 Alexander, James J. 

155*Allen, John H., P.M... 

1323 Altschiller, Samuel. 

157 Ames, Thomas A... 

634 Anderson, Carl H. 

1220 Anderson, Howard W... 

465 Andrews, Frank H. 

166 Andrews, Montague L.. 

812 Ansbacher, Joseph. 

199 Anstead, William H...., 

1170 Armer, Harry. 

251 Armstrong, Charles F.., 
1241 Armstrong, William E.. 
370 Armstrong, William M. 

41’"Armstrong, Willis J_ 

172 Arnott, Edward J. 

1008 Asburn, Vernon.. 

1358 Ash, Samuel H.. 

426*Ash, William. 

1355 Ashley, Arthur H. (Ash) 

1084 Auer, Sidney M. 

1369 Aumiller, William P. 


Mar. 

6, 

18941 

Dec. 

2 

1902 

Nov. 

1 , 

1898 

Apr. 

18, 

1916 

.Jan. 

6, 

1914 

Apr. 

2, 

19011 

Dec. 

1, 

1914 

Dec. 

10, 

1882f 

Aug. 

21, 

19061 

Aug. 

21, 

19061 

Oct. 

21, 

1914 

Feb. 

14, 

18931 

May 

17, 

1910 

Jan. 

31, 

18821 

Nov. 

2, 

1875§ 

Sept. 

7, 

1915 

Nov. 

2, 

18751 

Jan. 

31, 

18991 

July 

1 , 

1913 

July 

3, 

1894 

Nov. 

21, 

1876+ 

Dec. 

1, 

19031 

, Apr. 

4, 

18821 

Aug. 

15, 

1911 

,Nov. 

18, 

18841 

July 

1 , 

1909 

.June 

2, 

1891 

• July 

3, 

18661 

Oct. 

2, 

18771 

Mar. 

17, 

1908 

Julv 

18, 

1916 

.Feb. 

21, 

18931 

Sept. 

19, 

1916 

.Dec. 

7, 

1909 

Oct. 

31, 

1916 


339 Babcock, Joseph H.May 20,1890 

1173 Bade, Andrew.Nov. 21,1911 

113 Baer, Louis.Apr. 2,18721 

190 Baer, Louis, Jr.Oct. 4,1881 

815*Bailey, Albert W.Feb. 3,1903 f 

244*Bailev, William J.Apr. 15,1884 

718 Baird, William A.July 30,19011 

36*Baker, Benjamin A.May 15,1866f 

536 Ball, Clark G.June 2,1896+ 

1090 Ball, Horace L.Jan. 21,1913 

207 Ballard, Joseph H.July 18,1882§ 

303 Ballard, William J.June 19,1888f 

1194*Balzer, Frederick.Nov. 21,1911 

856 Baradet, Leon A. B.Feb. 2,1904 

1128 Baravalle, Victor.Oct. 4,1910 

1148 Barbieri, Ludovico.Jan. 31,1911 

1290 Barclay, Shepard Gibson.Mar. 2,1915 

776 Barnabale, Vincent.Nov. 10,1903 

135 Barnes, John C.Oct. 21,1873 f 

1247 Barnes, Thomas Roy.. .July 21,1914 

1289 Barnum, James Lloyd.Oct. 20,1914 

691 Barr, Robert D.Apr. 16,1901 

139* Barron, Dionysius.Oct. 7,1873f 

870 Barry, Alexander C.July 19,1904+ 

742 Barton, Victor.E. A. 

134*Bates, Erskine S.Apr. 15,1873} 

227*Bates, Sullivan A.Mar. 20,1883f 

1307 *Battat, Charles.Feb. 16,1915 

306*Baugh, Thomas.May 29,1888f 

204*Baxter (Olmi), James H.May 16,18821 

232 Bayne, William.Oct. 2,1883 


850 Beale, Richard A. 

605 Beamish, Charles A. 

1330 Beamish, Edward F. 

606*Beamish, William M. 

1013 Beane, Frederick A. 

907 Beatty, Samuel G. 

608 Beban, George E. 

239 Bebus, Davenport. 

670 Beck, Robert P. 

496*Beck, William S. 

162 Beckett, Henry J. 

862 Beckner, Arthur L. 

340 Becque (Solomon), Fredk. J. 

1083 Beebe, William. 

893 Beebe, William A. 

285 Begiebing, Louis W. 

1255 Behim, Arthur Edward. 

30*Beisheim, John G. 

876 Bell, .Arthur J. (Sheldon). 

1239 Bell, Clarence Jack. 

288 Bellinetti, Pietro B. 

1068 Bellows, David S. 

980 Bellucci, Antonio... 

523 "Benedict, Henry J. 

1315 Benjamin, W. Bert. 

73 Benson, Thomas D. 

738 Berger, Ben. (Mario). 

986 Berger, Thomas. 

1102 Berk, David. 

416 Berkemeyer, Robert K. 

1328 Bernhamer, George E. (Whiting) 

581*Bernolfo, Joseph E. 

149 Bernstein, Julius. 

867 Berry, Arthur LeRoy. 

1348 Beyer, Benjamin. 

681 "Biedermann, E. J. 

91 Bierwirth, Charles. 

616 Bigelow, Charles. 

470 Bigler, George C. 

117 Binda, Charles. 

1317 Binns, Bertie. 

1316 Binns, George H. 

778 Bishop, William. 

716 Bishop, William S. 

868 Bishop, Wendell P. 

366 Bisnett, Arthur J., P. M . 

928 Blaw, Morris. 

728 Block, Fred. 

627 Blockson, Harry (Stockley). 

711 Blodgett, Fred. L. 

863 Boettler, William F. 

656 Bond, Frederic. 

1145 Boninsegni, Romeo. 

464 Bookman, Simon. 

138*Booth, George B. 

631*Borgman, Charles E. 

234*Bowron, William L. 

659"Brady, Joseph A. 

23 Braham, David H. 

342 Braham, Harry. 

819 Braisted, George W. 

709*Brandon, William E. 

543 Brandt, Charles E. 

632 Bratton, John W. 

1368 Braun, Eugene. 

69 Breitkopf, August L. O. 

105 Bremer, Edward. 


Dec. 1,19031 
June 7,1898 
May 16,1916 
June 7,1898 
Sept. 29,1908 
Apr. 4,1905 
May 17,1898 
June 3,1884+ 
May 8,19001 
Apr. 16,1895§ 
May 2,1876f 
Mar. 29,1904 
July 29,1890 
July 5,1910 
Apr. 3,1906+ 
May 1,1888f 
Dec. 2,1913 
Mar. 6,1866f 
June 7,1904 
Sept. 7,1915 
Nov. 29,18871 
Aug. 17,1909 
July 20,1909 f 
Feb. 4,18961 
July 18,1916 
Dec. 31,18671 
Apr. 22,1902 
June 16,1908 
Oct, 4,1910 
Mar. 7,1893§ 
Sept. 7,1915 
Oct. 19,1897 f 
May 18,18751 
Nov. 15,1904 


.May 29,1900 
.Aug. 31,1869t 
.Sept. 20,18981 
.Oct. 26,18941 
.June 11,18721 
.June 3,1915 
.June 3,1915 
.Oct. 21,1902 
.Dec. 17,1901 
.July 19,1904§ 
.Apr. 21,18911 
.Feb. 24,1906f 
.Jan. 21,1902§ 
.July 6,18991 
.July 30,1901 
.Apr. 5,1904 
.Sept. 17,19011 
.Dec. 6,19101 
.May 15,1894 
.Oct. 7,1873§ 
. Sept. 20,1898 
.July 7,18831 
.Oct. 31,18991 
.Feb. 6,1866§ 
.June 3,18901 
.July 7,19031 
.May 21,1901 
.Oct. 20,18961 
.Feb. 28,18991 


Nov. 19,18671 
Apr. 2,18721 









































































































































460 


FIFTY YEARS 


1187 Brendler, Charles. 

397 Brodie, Charles F., P.M _ 

985 Brooks, James E. 

517*Brough, James H. 

1218 Broughton, Willie R. 

1364 Brousseau, John W. 

148 Brown, Charles. 

1085 Brown, Lester. 

673*Browne, Alfred. 

493 Buckwell, Arthur W. 

1238 Buldrini, Umberto. 

1233 Bunny, John Henry. 

21*Burnet, John M., P. M . 

13 Burnett, Alfred. 

228 Burnette, Edward W. 

847 Burnside, Robert H. 

1053 Burnstein, Jule. 

1242 Burton, Joseph C. (Many)... 

229 Bussing, Charles F. 

1360*Byrd, George R.. 


Nov. 21,1911 
June 7,1892J 


.Nov. 12,1895§ 

.Sept. 3,1912 

.Oct. 31,1916 

.Oct. 19.1875J 

.Jan. 19,1910 

.Apr. 17,1900 

.Mav 21,1895$ 

.Aug. 19,1913 

.Dec. 2,1913f 

.Oct. 17,1865 f 

.Mar. 21,18651 

.May 1, 1883$ 

.Feb. 2,1904 

.Mar. 16,1909 

.June 17,1909 

.May 29,1883$ 

.Aug. 1,1916 


1276 Caesar, William F.July 21,1914 

1174 Callaghan, Joseph C.E. A. 

894 Cameron, William R.Mar. 7,1905$ 

118 Campbell, Richard S.F. C.j 

499 Cannon, George J.July 16,1895$ 

338 Cardell (Rudolph), J.E. A. 

223 Carl, Frederick.Feb. 20,18S3$ 

512 Carr, Forrest D.Nov. 12,1895$ 

548 Carr, Frank B.Oct. 20,1896$ 

993 Carrick, Allvn B.May 5,19081 

327 Carter, Charles M.Apr. 1,1890$ 

55 Castle, William J.Jan. 29,1867§ 

848*Cawein, John D.Nov. 17,1903 

180*Cays, Theodore A.;.Feb. 18,1879$ 

401 Cerillo (Stengler) Agostino P.July 5,1892$ 

1338 Cerminara, Mario.E. A. 

890 Challenger, Edwin W.Mar. 7,1905$ 

76 Chapman, Joseph H.Feb. 4,186S§ 

241*Chase, Edward P..Mar. 4,1884$ 

365 Chippendale, Walter.Apr. 21,1891$ 

597 Christie, Samuel M.Jan. 10,18991 

650 Churchman, Edwin.July 6,1899 

920 Claphafn, John H.Oct. 31,1905 

502 Clark, George F. S.July 16,18951 

671 Clark, William S.May 1,19001 

485 Clarke, Edwin G.Apr. 2,1895 

472 Clarke, Herbert L.Dec. 4,1894 

188 Clarke, William H. M. B.June 21,18811 

374 Clayton, William B., P. M .June 30,1891 

676 Claytor, William Robyns.May 27,19021 

956 Clutsam, Hugh S.Aug. 23,19061 

647 Cluzetti, Jules.May 2,1899$ 

918 Cobb, George B. (Reno).F. C.t 

479 Cockshott, James.Dec. 4,1894§ 

1326 Cohen, Arthur P.E. A. 

1327 Cohen, Henry L.Nov. 30,1915 

587 Cohen, Louis.Feb. 15,1898 

1245 Cohen, Max (Mark Adams).Aug. 19,1913 

640 Cohn, Edwin J.May 2,1899§ 

577*Colhouer, Thomas P.Sept. 21,18971 

1308 Colla, Antonio.May 16,1916 

793 Comstock, Franklyn R.Mar. 17,1903 

106 Conraider, Henry.Jan. 3,18711 

438 Constantine, Robert.Sept. 19,18931 

989 Cook, Irving J.Aug. 6,19071 

560 Cooke, George J.June 13,19001 

884 Cooke, William J.Oct. 4,1904 

635 Cooney, Stephen P.Feb. 28,18991 

620 Corbett, Edwin R.Sept. 21,1898§ 

624 Corcilius, Albert B.Nov. 1,1898 

1237 Coren, Frank.Apr. 15,1913 

511 Cottrell, John W.June 30,18961 

919 Couchoud, Emilie.Oct. 31,1905 

240 Craik, Joseph S.Apr. 1,18841 

1205 Cripps, William N.May 21,1912 

1095 Crispano, Philip.Aug. 30,1910 

81 Crosher, John.Sept. 15,18681 

1055 Cubitt, William C.Mar. 16,1909 


821 Cunningham, Carl E. 

996 Culver, Clement (Christy).. 

1041 Cunningham, Frank H. 

381*Curtin, James H P. M _ 

732 Curtin, Leon II. 

538 Cushman, William F. 

10 Cutler, Henry S. 

822*Cutty, Thomas. 

840*Cutty, William, Jr. 

300 Cutugno, Hannibal G. 

995 Dahm, James H. 

1357 Dale, Charles Marks. 

82 Dalling, Edward. 

194 Daly, Michael C. 

1340 Damsel, Frank F. 

22 Daniels, Charles E. 

1269*Danza, Giuseppe. 

915 Danzig, Jesse A. (Dandy)... 

658*Dausch, John B. 

619 Davies, John H. 

52 Davis, Alexander. 

235*Davis, Charles H. 

1162 Davis, Charles H. 

933 Davis, Homer E. 

532 Davidoff, Joseph. 

409 Davy, Almond R. 

307*DeAngelis, Jefferson. 

508 De Chiara, Carlo. 

446 DeBona, Frank A. 

281 DeBona, Joseph. 

282 Decker, Frank C.. 

7 Decker, Myron A., P. M ... 

842 De Haven, George W.. 

859 Deleo, Giuseppe. 

246 Delmore, Ralph (Donaruma) 

885 Del Negro, Nicola. 

72 Denham, John C.. 

830 Dettinger, Frank L.. 

272*DeWattville, William A. M.. 

1198 Dezego, James J. 

763 Dickerson, George S. 

44 Dillon, John. 

221*Dingwall, John S. 

545*Dinkelspiel, Henrv S. 

324 Ditchie, Fred. T..'. 

955 Dixon, Hiram H. 

328 Dobbs. John F. 

977 Dody, Dan. 

1282 Dody, Sam. 

19*Dodworth, Harvey B. 

854 Doll, Louis. 

350 Donath, Ralph. 

310 Donevan, James J. 

276 Donogh, William H., P.M... 

26 Dorber, Frank. 

762 Dowers, John J P. M . 

612 Dowling, Archibald J. 

12 Downing, David L., P.M..., 

424 Dreher, Frederick L. 

1350 Dreher, Philip. 

1265 Dreyfus, Travers Henry. 

1132 Driggs, Karl H. 

208 Drosihn, Paul. 

983 Drugan, Edward J. 

1243 Dryden, Charles J. 

64 Duckinfield, Walter E. 

1259 Dudley, Orin Ralph. 

316 Duffy, John C. 

1153 Dulait, William A. 

487 Dunbar, Thomas E. 

926*Duncan, Peter T. 

755 Durbrow, Albert. 

20 Dyas, William H. 

175*Dyring, Hans J. T. 

563*Easton, Arthur F. 

672 Ebert, Henry. 

559 Ebert, Thomas. 


.Sept. 29, 1903$ 
.Dec. 1,1908 


.Feb. 2,1892 

.Apr. 22,1902 

.June 1,1897$ 

.Mar. 21,1865§ 

.June 2,1903§ 

.July 23, 1903$ 

.Apr. 17, 1888$ 

.Oct. 29,1907 

.Oct. 31,1916 

.Nov. 7,1868$ 

.May 2,1882$ 

E. A. 

.Jan. 2,1866$ 

.Jan. 20,1914 

.Sept. 5,1905 

.Oct. 3,1899 f 

.Dec. 8,1898 

.Jan. 29,1867$ 

.July 7,1883$ 

.Nov. 21,1911 

.Aug. 22,1908$ 

.June 30,1896 

.Nov. 29,1892|| 

.June 19,1888 

.Nov. 19,1895 

.Dec. 5,1893$ 

.May 31,1887$ 

.May 31,1887§ 

. .Charter Memberf 

.Dec. 1,1903 

.June 7,1904 

.July 9,1884 

.Mar. 7,1905 

.Dec. 31, 1867 

.Sept. 29, 1903 

.Oct. 19, 1886 

.Feb. 6, 1912$ 

.July 29, 1902 

.Dec. 4, 1866$ 

.Jan. 2, 1883$ 

.June 2,1896 

.Jan. 21, 1890 

.Aug. 23, 1906 

.Apr. 1, 1890$ 

.Apr. 16,1907 

.Feb. 8,1915 

.July 15, 1865$ 

.June 7,1904 

.Nov. 18, 1890 

.Dec. 4, 1888$ 

.Mar. 29, 1887$ 

.Feb. 6,1866$ 

.June 3,1902$ 

.Nov. 1,1898$ 

.Apr. 18, 1865$ 

.June 6,1893$ 

.Oct. 31, 1916 

.Apr. 21, 1914 

.Nov. 1, 1910 

.July 18, 1882$ 

.July 16, 19071 

.Jan. 20, 1914$ 

.May 21, 1867$ 

.Apr. 21, 1914 

.Apr. 2, 1889 

.June 6, 1911 

.Apr. 2,1895 

.Dec. 5, 1905 

.June 3,1902$ 

.Oct. 31, 1865$ 

.Apr. 16, 1878$ 

.Mar. 2, 1897 

.May 1,1900 

.Sept. 7, 1897$ 
































































































































































OF ST. OECILE LODGE. 


461 


858 Ecke, Frederick; W.Apr. 5,1904t 

27*Eckhardt, Herman.Feb. 20, 1866$ 

528 Egner, Louis G.Mar. 17, 1896$ 

1002 Eisenkramer, Jacob.Dec. 17,1907 

887 Eldridge, Charles E.Sept. 5,1905 

1159 Elliott, Frederick C.. .June 6, 1911J 

692 Ellsworth, Mark.Apr. 16,19011 

388*Embree, James M.Feb. 16, 1892 

1236 Emmett, Charles.July 1, 1913 

486 Ennis, John W.Apr. 2, 1895 

794 Entrican, Edwin E.Mar. 17, 1903 

791 Entwistle, Harry W., P. M .Mar. 17,1903 

787 Erdmann, Ernest F ., P. M .Apr. 7, 1903 

361 Erfurth, Albert.Mar. 3, 1891 f 

102 Ernst, Louis.July 19, 1870$ 

826 Ertheiler, Harry F.July 21, 1903$ 

144 Evans, Frank M.Jan. 19, 1875$ 


531 Fabricus, Frederick W.Mar. 17, 1896$ 

683 Falke, Charles H.Feb. 19, 1901$ 

513 Faroat, Henry B.Dec. 31, 1895 

1098 Fasano, Alfred.July 5, 1910 

1193 Faulhaber, John M.June 18,1912 

186*Favilla, Giuseppe.Oct. 21, 1879§ 

1304 Fehlhaber, Fred.July 6, 1915 

1204 Felder, Frank.Dec. 10, 1912 

803 Fenrich, William.July 7,1903 

344 Fernbacher, Nathan.June 3, 1890$ 

837 Ferrari, Luigi.Feb. 2, 1904 

972 Feuchtwanger, Edward A.Feb. 19, 1907 

1374 Feus, William E.E. A. 

580 Fichtel, John H.Nov. 16, 1897 

1217 Field, George I.Sept. 3, 1912 

1117 Field, Herman.Nov. 1,1910 

159 Fielding, John.Feb. 29, 1876$ 

301*Findlay, John.Apr. 17, 1888 

913 Fink, Albert.Sept. 5, 1905 

921 Fink, David.Oct. 31, 1905 

963 Finkelstein, Adolph.Oct. 2, 1906 

851 Finkelstein, Simon.June 7, 1904 

1319*Finklestone, George (Stone).Mar. 30, 1915 

931 Finnie, Alexander A.Apr. 3, 1906 

170 Fischer, Frederick.May 1, 1877$ 

1273 Fisher, Ernest J.June 17, 1914 

1005*Fitzhugh, Edgar H.Feb. 18, 19081 

1331 Flamm, Jacob.E. A. 

1125 Flesh, Irving A.Nov. 29, 1910f 

611 Flynn, Eugene J.June 7,1898 

212*Flynn, John J.Oct. 17, 18821 

715 Foerster, Herman P.Sept. 23, 1901 f 

1203 Fontenella, Ferdinand.Mar. 19, 1912 

940 Force, Albert R.May 29,19061 

698 Forrest, Edgar.Apr. 16, 19011 

1100 Fortune, Thomas G.May 17, 1910 

544 Foster, George H.June 1, 1897 f 

1312 Fox, Claude R.June 1, 1915 

792 Francis, William T.Apr. 7, 1903$ 

1118 Franck, Jules.Aug. 30, 1910 

905 Frank, Albert.Mar. 21,1905 

363 Frank, George.Mar. 3, 18911 

1018 Fredenheim, Levi.Sept. 29, 1908 

341 Fredericks, William E.May 20, 1890 f 

825 Freestone, George D.July 21, 1903f 

182 Freeth, Jabez.F. C.t 

1305 Freisinger, Max.Feb. 2, 1915 

383 Freudenvoll, Charles W.Mar. 29, 1892 

1277 Friedberg, Carl...Sept. 15, 1914 

216*Friedenberg, Isaac.Dec. 5, 1882 

693 Friedenberg, Jacques S.May 7, 1901 

629 Friedenberg, Joseph I.Jan. 10, 1899 

297 Friedenberg, Louis J.May 1, 1888$ 

202*Friedenberg, Mike.Apr. 4, 18821 

524 Friedenberg, Philip S.June 2, 1896 

823 Friedman, Emanuel M.Nov. 10, 1903 

1114 Friedman, Henry M.Oct. 4, 1910 

852 Friedman, Max S.Mar. 29, 1904f 

623 Friedman, Samuel.Sept. 20, 18981 

1361 Friedman, Samuel.F. C. 

628 Frizzell, Edward C.Jan. 10,1899f 


86 Fromme, Louis.Dec. 29,1868$ 

217*Froom, Harry A.Dec. 5, 1882$ 

495 Fuchs (Fox), Isidore.May 21,1895$ 

588 Fuerst, Anton.Feb. 15,18981 

224 Fulford, Robert.May 1, 18831 

265 Fuller, George E.Jan. 19,1886§ 

1052 Fullerton, William.June 2,1909 

610 Galpen, William A.May 8,1900 

71 Gardiner, Joseph R.E. A.. 

808 Gaugler, Lucien J.July 21, 1903$ 

1014 Gaus, (Godfrey) Fred G.May 5, 1908 

855 Gavin, J. Knox.Oct. 4, 1904 

1265 Geiger, Ben. J.Mar. 3,1914 

500 Geiger, William H.July 2, 1895$ 

666 Geissler, Oscar.May 1, 1900 

786 ,Ge!der, Sampson.Feb. 25,1903$ 

795 Gennaro, John.July 21, 1903$ 

1270 Genovese, Oreste.Oct. 19,1915 

998 Gerber, Barnev (Gerard).Jan. 22, 1908 

934 Gibbs, Walter L.E. A. 

360*Gill, Edward L.Feb. 3, 1891$ 

1101 Gill, Harry C.Jan. 31, 1911 

571*Gillis, Bosanquet W.June 1,18971 

790 Gilman, Harry.Mar. 17, 1903 

504 Gilpatrick, Frederick L.July 2, 1895$ 

1342 Girard, Francis A.Mar. 7, 1916 

31 Girard, Augustus.Apr. 3,1866+ 

1352 Glassman, Karl.Sept. 19, 1916 

1109 Glickstein, Abraham.July 5,1910|| 

1155 Godick, Louis.Feb. 6,1912$ 

1068 Goldberg, Jacob A.July 20, 1909 

1156 Goldstick, Meyer (George LeMaire).. .Dec. 10, 1911 

39 Gordinear, J. A.Aug. 7,1866$ 

880 Gordon, Douglas.Aug. 30, 1904|| 

271*Gordon, John S.Mar. 30, 188611 

501 Goss, Frank F.July 16, 1895$ 

833 Gottschalk, Luis F.Dec. 1,1903 

178 Govan, Charles H., P. M .May 21, 1878 

4 Graham, David.Charter Memberf 

892 Graham, Sidney E.May 16,1905$ 

630 Grapewin, Charles E.June 24, 1899 

329 Grasmuk, J. Charles.Apr. 1,1890 

1212 Grathwohl, Edward J.July 30,1912 

1000 Gray, William F.Dec. 17, 1907 

771 Green, James Burton.Oct. 21,1902 

352 Greenbaum, Joseph.Nov. 18, 1890 

441*Greene, Augustus P.June 20, 1893$ 

420 Greene, Charles J.June 6,1893$ 

567 Greene, Harry A., P. M .June 1, 1897 

1297 Greene, Philip.Mar. 2, 1915 

486 Greene, William L.Dec. 4,1894 

759 Greenwood, George J.Sept. 16, 1902 

1133 Greer, Thomas H.Dec. 7,1910 

756 Greisman, Henry.July 1, 1902 

860 Grenny, Frederick R.Feb. 2, 1904 

555*Grett, Oscar C.Dec. 1,1896 

214*Grey, Thomas.Oct. 31, 1882 

903 Griffin, Albert C.Mar. 14, 1905$ 

1276 Griffith, David Wark.F. C. 

1149 Griffith, John J.Mar. 7, 1911$ 

335 Griffith, Walter S.Apr. 1,1890$ 

295 Gross, William B.June 19,1888 

519*Grummond, Lewie M.Dec. 17,1895 

665 Grunow, Gustav J.E. A. 

961 Guernsey, Henry.Nov. 20,1906$ 

1188 Guild, James L.Feb. 6,1912$ 

494 Gumpertz, Sam W.May 14, 1895§ 

74 Gunn, Patrick J. Dec. 31,1867$ 

967 Guth, Mark S.Feb. 19,1907 

936*Guth, Ralph A.Jan. 30, 1906§ 

455 Guthrie, Samuel J.June 5,1894$ 


245 Habercorn, Emil.June 3,1884$ 

748 Hackenberger, George W., P. M..... .Apr. 29, 1902 

503 Hacker, Charles E.July 2,1895$ 

655 Hacked, Carl H.Oct. 3,18991T 

714 Hacked, Henry L. A.July 30,1901$ 

161*Hagan, Edward A.Mar. 21,1875$ 





























































































































































462 


FIFTY YEARS 


1287 Kagedorn, Alonzo W.Sept. 15, 1914 

1362 Hagen, William C.F. C.. 

712 Hager, Frederick W.July 30, 1901 

1244 Hall. Alfred K.Oct. 14, 1913 

1072 Hall, Frank L. (Carlton).E. A.f 

1365 Hall, Julius F.E. A. 

1160 Halpern, Henry.Aug. 15, 1911 

534 Hammerstein, Harry.Oct. 20,1896+ 

572 Hammerstein, Arthur.Sept. 7, 1897J 

205 Hamel, Theodore.July 18, 1882 j 

949 Hancock, Herbert.F. C. 

406 Harding, Frank.Nov. 29, 1892 J 

104 Hardy, Edward T.Sept. 20, 1870§ 

257 Hardy, Marlborough.June 16, 1885 

838 Harris, Benjamin.Dec. 6, 19041 

1248 Harris, Edward. Oct. 7, 1913 

845 Harris, Edward H.Mar. 1, 1904 J 

717 Harris, George H.Oct. 29, 19011 

667 Harris, Louis.May 1, 1900 

98 Harrison, George F.May 17, 18704 

664 Harrower, Gabriel T.May 8, 1900§ 

991 Hart, Henry.Aug. 6,1907 

551*Hart, James W.Nov. 17, 1896+ 

529 Hart, Samuel H.June 2, 1896 

197 Hartly, Charles H.Apr. 4, 18821 

198 Hartly, William.Apr. 4, 1882J 

459 Harwood, George A.June 5, 18944 

130 Haste, William.Mar. 18, 1873 % 

1178*Hatch, Robert L.May 16, 1911 

1086 Hatch, William W.Feb. 15, 1910+ 

431 Hatfield, Edmund L.May 23, 18934 

682*Hauck, Henry.June 19, 1900j 

1232 Haviland, James Butler.Jan. 20, 1913 

253*Hays, Benjamin E.Oct. 21, 1884+ 

761 Healey, Martin.Dec. 2, 1902 

805 Heckman, William F.E. A.f 

959 Heenan, Martin T. (Frank North)-June 25, 1906 

1333 Heichlinger, Fred. W. (Laine).Sept. 7,1915 

721 Heilbeck, John H.Sept. 17, 1901f 

152 Heims, Eugene.July 6, 1875 j 

518*Helleberg, A. C. Aug.Dec. 17, 1895 

1294 Helleberg, August A. C., Jr.Apr. 6, 1915 

1334 Helleberg, John H. A.Oct. 19, 1915 

643 Helmecke, August, Jr.Nov. 21, 1899 

168*Henning, Joseph L.Jan. 16, 1877f 

304 Herbert, Joseph W.Apr. 4, 19054 

336 Herbert, Sidney.Apr. 1, 18901 

982 Herk, Isidor H.Dec. 12, 1910 

734 Herold, Mark K.July 11, 1902J 

231 Herwig, Augustus E.June 3, 18844 

296 Hess, Franz E.May 1, 1888j 

901 Hess, Henry.Mar. 14, 1905 

1078 Hess, Peter W.Dec. 7, 1909 

355*Heywood, Robert R.Nov. 18. 1890§ 

1089 Hickey, William IF.Feb. 15, 1910j 

1213 Hickman, Lee S. (Oscar).July 30, 1912 

107 Hildenbrand, George.Apr. 18, 18714 

343 Hildebrant, Charles F.June 3, 18904 

226*Hill, James.Mar. 20, 18834 

1343 Hill, James Budd.May 16, 1916 

796 Hill, Ward W.Nov. 10, 1903 

988 Hilgenberg, William.July 16, 1907 

651*Hilton, Walter J.May 16, 18994 

415 Himmelreich, Hilmer A.Mar. 28, 18934 

357 Hinds, Herbert.Sept. 15, 18914 

835 Hirsch, Edward (Elkas).Apr. 3, 19064 

707 Hirsch, Max.June 4, 1901 

695 Hitchcock, Raymond.Feb. 19,1901 

1261 Hofer, George M., Jr.Jan. 20,1914 

404*Ho£fman, Carl E.Sept. 20, 1892 

1038 Hoffmann, Alfred C.Dec. 1, 1908 

668 Hoffmann, Edward D.E. A. 

765 Holbrook, Alva M.July 29, 19024 

1065 Holcomb, Abel S P. M .July 20, 1909 

289*Holland, David.Nov. 1, 1887 

1285 Hollister, Herbert R.Sept. 15, 1914 

364 Holmes, Thomas H.Apr. 21, 18914 

546 Holzer, John C.Dec. 15, 1896 

262 Honneger, Oscar P.Oct. 20, 1885§ 


125 Hones, Frederick J. 

99*Hopkins, Edward, P. M 

478 Horner, John H. 

176*Horton, Millard F. 

1253 Horwath, Edmund J_ 

897*Houghtaling, Irving.... 

1119 Hover, David L. C. 

675 Hovey, William H. 

654 Howard, Joseph E. 

15*Howard, Thomas G. 

638 Howie, Frank G. 

146 Howson, John. 

440 Hoyt, Charles H. 

520*Hubbs, Wilmot. 

263 Huber, Frederick J. 

749 Hughes, Andrew J. 

745 Hughes, Chalmers. 

1006 Hulse, Frank B. 

601 Humble, Edward A. 

1009 Hunn, William R. 

509 Hunt, Jacob J. 

193*Hunt, John. 

191*Hunter, James. 

1227 Hussar, Ernest. 

1370 Hutinet, Louis. 

607 Hyde, Lewis W., Jr. 

925 Hymes, Herbert L. 


.Dec. 3,18734 

.May 17, 1870§ 

.Dec. 4,18944 

.Apr. 16,18784 

.Sept. 2, 1913 

.Jan. 17, 1905§ 

.July 20, 1910 

.July 3, 1900 

.May 8,19004 

.Mar. 28, 18654 

.Jan. 31, 1899 

.Sept. 7, 18754 

.Sept. 19, 1893 

.Dec. 17, 1895 

.Oct. 20,18854 

.Apr. 29,19021[ 

.May 6, 1902 

.Mar. 17, 19084 

.Mar. 29, 18984 

.Mav 5, 1908 

.Dec. 31, 1895 

.Nov. 29, 18814 

.Sept. 20, 18814 

.Mar. 4, 1913 

E. A. 

.June 7, 1898 

.Apr. 3, 1906 


2 Ilsley, George F., P. M .Charter Memberf 

429 Ingalls, Elmer L.May 23, 18934 

173 Innes, Frederick N.Nov. 20,187714 

1020*Irvine, Robert.Mar. 17, 1908 

1339 Isaac, Philip B.Nov. 11, 1916 

452 Isham, John W.Mar. 6, 18944 

488 Isham, William II.July 2, 1895 

663 Iverson, Robert W.Feb. 20, 1900 


953 Jack, Hugh R. 

565 Jack, James C. 

337 Jack, Samuel T. 

570*Jackson, Joseph D... 

708 Jackson, William G. 

1284 Jacob, Morris. 

318 Jacobs, Harry C. 

88 Jacoby, Theodore, P. M .. 

604 James, Louis W. 

747 Janeway, Edward A. 

238*Jardine, Edward G. 

90 Jauss, Christian. 

385*Jepson, Eugene O.. 

1181 Jerge, August (Gus Fay). 

1142*Jessurun, Emil C. 

760*Johnson, Andrew V.. 

910 Johnson, Ernest D.. 

505*Johnson, Henry J.. 

471 Johnson, L. A. 

1274 Johnson, Walter C. 

11 Johnston, David B. 

618 Johnston, George, P. M . 

750 Johnston, James A. 

836 Johnston, William A. (Leslie).. .E. A 

1207 Jolson, Albert. 

576 Jones, Charles H.. 

413 Jones, George H. 

498 Jones, Louis G. 

768 Jordan, W T illiam C. 

561 Joste, Robert.... 

1130 Judels, Julius..'.. 

480 Julian, Frederick H. 

1049 Jupp, George E. 


July 3, 1906 
June 6, 18994 
Mav 20, 18904 
June 1,18974 
June 4, 19014 
Dec. 1, 1914 
Apr. 2, 1889 
Mar. 2, 18694 
Jan. 31, 1899 
May 6, 1902+ 
Dec. 18, 1883+ 
Mar. 2, 18694 
Feb. 16, 18924 
Jan. 19, 1915 
Nov. 29, 1910 
May 6, 1902 
May 10, 1905+ 
July 2, 1895+ 
Oct. 16, 1894+ 
Julv 21, 1914 
Mar. 21, 18654 
Mar. 29, 1898 
July 29, 1902 


July 1, 1913 
Sept. 7, 1897 
Mar. 28, 1893 
July 16, 1895§ 
Aug. 19, 1902 
June 13, 1900 
Nov. 1, 19104 
Dec. 22, 18964 
May 18, 19094 


562 

305 

1044 

469 

1373 

764 

1337 

696 


Kahn, Jacob. 

Kahn, Julius. 

Kahn, Max. 

Kahn, Silas F. 

Kamerer, DeForest E, 

Kampe, George C. 

Kapp, Edwin M. 

Kapp, Joseph A. 


.Feb. 15,18984 

.June 19, 1888 

.Mar. 16, 19094 

.July 3, 1894§ 

E. A. 

.Aug. 19, 1902 

.Oct. 19,1915 

.Feb. 19,1901 






































































































































































OF ST. GEGILE LODGE, 


463 


1015 Karlin, Jacob. 

1191 Kaufman, Philip. 

53 Keating, William. 

405 Keese, James T. 

129 Keinz, Michael. 

743 Keller, James W. 

966 Keller, Otto.'. 

1157 Keller, Peter N.. 

61 Kellinger, Samuel M.. 

582 Kellington, George.. 

1268 Kent, Craufurd.. 

879 Kent, Rockwell. 

298 Kerker, Gustav A. 

1189 Kern, Jacob A. (J. K. Adams) 

924*Kerngood, William J. 

1033 Kerr, Archie R. 

950 King, Francis J. 

1067 King, Frank J. 

248*King, Horatio C. 

49*King, John P. 

802 Kissenberth, Balthaser. 

948 Kistler, David A. 

970*Kistler, Milton S. 

131 Klein, Charles. 

463 Klein, Dave J. 

917 Kleinecke, August E. 

807 Kleinfelder, Anton P. 

767 Klockgiesser, Adalbert. 

737 Kluth, Louis H. (Carroll). 

782 Kniskern, Ford. 

1143*Knowles, John L. 

433 Knowles, Rollin H. 

641 Knox, John. 

430 Knust, Carl F. (Williams)_ 

809 Knyvett, W. L. (Vernon). 

473 Koch, George F. 

537 Koch, Jacob. 

1163 Koehler, August C. 

379 Koehler, John. 

1027 Koehler, Otto C. 

78 Kohler, Alvin G. 

558 Kolkebeck, Henry A. 

922 Korver, Charles. 

75 Koseck, Wenzel J. 

960 Koster, George. 

965 Kramer, Louis. 

443 Krausse, Albert. 

1158 Kroupa, John. 

34 Kroupa, Tnomas. 

384 Kruger, Alfred. 


.Mar. 17, 1908 

.Apr. 4,1913 

.Jan. 29, 1867$ 

.Nov. 29, 1892 f 

.Apr. 29, 1873§ 

.May 6, 1902 

.June 25, 1907 

.Aug. 15,1911 

.May 21, 1867J 

.Nov. 16,1897 

.Mar. 3, 1914 

.Aug. 30,1904 If 

.May 1, 1888 

.Sept. 3,1912 

.Dec. 5, 1905 

.Dec. 1, 1908 

.July 3,1906 

.Aug. 17, 1909 

.May 20, 1884 

.Sept. 18,1867§ 

.Mar. 1, 1904 f 

.June 25, 1907 

.July 17, 19061 

.Mar. 4, 18731 

.Aug. 7,1894 

.Apr. 2, 1909 

.May 5, 1903 

.Aug. 19, 1902 

.E. A. 

.Dec. 2, 1902 

.Nov. 29, 1910 

.May 23, 1893§ 

.May 2, 1899 

..May 15, 1894 

.Nov. 17,1903 

.Oct. 16, 1894 

..June 2, 1896§ 

.Oct. 17,1911 

.Feb. 2, 1892§ 

.Aug. 18, 1908 

.Aug. 18, 1868f 

.June 1,18971 

E. A. 

.Feb. 4,18681 

.Oct, 29, 1907 

.Oct. 29,1907 

.Mav 15, 1894f 

.Aug. 15, 1911 

.Apr. 3, 18661 

.Mar. 29, 18921 


1215*Leary, John J. 

731 Le Clair, James. 

976 Leconte, Harry A. 

1001 LefHer, Benjamin. 

1211 Leffler, George. 

828 Leffler, John E. 

1321 Lemaster, Frank G. 

741 Lenhart, William (Hart).... 

954 Lenzberg, Julius. 

109 Leonard, William J., P. M.. 

45 Lerch, Ignatius. 

861*Lesure, Louis A. 

1329 Levey, Louis (Hilton). 

1183 Levi, Harry. 

557 Levi, Maurice. 

785 Levison, William. 

626 Levy, Archibald L. 

1286 Levy, George Morton. 

254 Levy, Jacob. 

583 Levy, Philip. 

1146 Lewis, Elias S. 

1256 Lewis, Walter. 

454 Ley, Leonard (Delmore).... 

206 Liberati, Alexander.. 

347 Liebermann, Joseph M. 

92 Liebling, Ludwig. 

1228 Lifschitz, Leon (Rogee). 

476*Lihow, Peter. 

1206 Lindenmayer, George J. 

97 Link, Michael. 

1222 Liplich, Arthur. 

286 Lisman, Frederick J. 

1094 Listemann, Franz. 

689 Little, George H. 

1042 Little, Ira W. 

267*Livingston, William H. 

573 Lockwood, Charles H. 

483 Lockwood (Rosaire), Ernest., 

621 Loesch, George, P. M . 

333 Lohman, Albert E. 

458 Loraine, William (Wedmann) 

1341 Lothrop, Carl D. 

422 Low, C. Edward, P. M . 

589 Low, Theodore T. 

1074*Lowry, James J. 

987 Lucas, George. 

275 Lucy, Chapin. 

136 Ludwig, Charles H. 

935*Lyons, John C... 

694 Lyons, John F. 


900 La Croix, Fred W.Mar. 14, 1905 

210 Laendner, Joseph M.Oct. 31, 1882 

395 Laine, John H. (Dolchey).June 6, 1893$ 

644*Lake, James.Mar. 7.1899 

820 Lake, Theodore T.Sept. 29, 1903§ 

200 Lamb, Frank E.May 2, 1882J 

439 Lampert, Michael J.Mar. 6, 1894 

51*Lander, John M.July 17, 1867 f 

1335 Lander, Milton D.Nov. 30, 1915 

814 Lang, Daniel.June 2,1903 

937 Lang, Edward M.Oct. 2, 1906$ 

746 Lang, William D.May 6, 1902 

1225 Lange, Joseph T.Oct. 7, 1913 J 

1332 Lange, Oskar J.Oct. 19, 1915 

639 Laning, Claude E.Nov. 21, 1899$ 

25 Lanktree, John M.Feb. 6, 1866j 

243*Larabee, Merrit W.Apr. 1, 1884 

829 Larbig, George A.Dec. 1,1903 

47 Larkin, Peter.Jan. 29, 18671 

80 Latham, Allan, P. M .June 30, 1868 f 

358 Lauer, Theodore.Jan. 20, 1891 

1134 Lauletta, Jacomo A.Jan. 17, 1911 

929 Lauria, Donata A.Jan. 30, 1906 

115 Lautenschlager, Henry.June 11, 1872J 

841 Laverty, Edgar R.June 7, 1904 

1057 Lawrason, William.May 18, 1909 

434 Lawson, Franklin.June 6,1893$ 

973 Lay, James E.Feb. 19, 1907 


674*Macdonald, Edward. 

816*MacDonald, George H..... 
1252 Macdonough, Harry F., Jr. 

798 Mace, Frederick W. 

311 Madden, John H. 

1004 Magdalin, Carl J. 

403*Magdalin, John. 

294*Magner, Alexander. 

1040 Malach, Barnet. 

990 Malach, Emanuel. 

1141 Male, Hyman. 

43 Mallach, Jacob. 

688 Manheimer, Solomon. 

320 Mann, Louis. 

315 Mann, Nathan D. 

287*Mann, Samuel.... 

174 Manning, John L. F. 

1088*Manwaring, William. 

1196 Markel, Samuel. 

1116*Markey, Andrew V. 

1169 Marks, Joseph M. 

579*Marks, Samuel. 

1124 Marsh, Samuel J. 

596 Marsh, William C. 

1184 Marshall, Albert. 

916 Marshall, George O. 

468 Marshall, William L. 


.July 2, 1912 

.Apr. 22, 1902f 

.Apr. 16, 1907§ 

.June 16, 1908 

.June 30,1912 

.Sept. 29, 1903$ 

.June 1,1915 

.Apr. 22, 1902 

.Oct. 2,1906$ 

.Apr. 18, 1871$ 

.Dec. 4,1866§ 

.Dec. 29, 19031 

..Nov. 17,1915 

.July 30, 1912 

..Mar. 30, 1897 

.Feb. 6,1903 

.Jan. 10,1899 

.July 6, 1915 

.Mar. 3,1885$ 

.Nov. 16,1897 

.Jan. 17,1911 

.Dec. 2,1913 

.Aug. 7,1894 

.July 18, 1882$ 

.Nov. 18, 1890$ 

.Oct. 19,1869§ 

..E. A. 

.Oct. 30,1894$ 

.May 21, 1912 

.May 17, 1870$ 

.Mar. 4, 1913 

.Nov. 29, 1887 

.May 17, 1910 

.May 7, 1901 

.Jan. 19, 1909|| 

.Feb. 2,1886$ 

.Sept. 7,1897 

.June 16, 1899$ 

.Sept. 20, 1898 

.April 1, 1890$ 

.May 15, 1894$ 

.Mar. 7, 1916 

.Mar. 7,1893$ 

.Jan. 18, 1898 

.Mar. 16, 1909$ 

.Aug. 6, 1907 

.Mar. 29, 1887$ 

.Oct. 21, 1873$ 

.Jan. 19, 1906$ 

.Oct. 29, 1901$ 

.Apr. 17, 1900 

.Feb. 3, 1903 

.Dec. 2, 1913 

.Mar. 17, 1903 

.Dec. 4, 1888$ 

.Dec. 17, 1907 

.July 5,1892 

.Mar. 6,1888$ 

.Mar. 16, 1909 

..June 16, 1908 

.Dec. 12, 1910 

.Dec. 4, 1866$ 

.Dec. 4, 1900$ 

.Dec. 10, 1889 

.Mar. 5,1889$ 

.Oct. 18, 1887 

F Q 

Oct."' 6,'i909§ 

.Feb., 6, 1912 

.June 7,1910 

.June 18, 1912$ 

.Nov. 16, 1897$ 

.Nov. 29, 1910 

.Mar. 17,1898$ 

.Nov. 21, 1911 

.Jan. 30, 1906 

.July 3,1894§ 






























































































































































464 


FIFTY YEARS 


437 Martin, Henry.Sept. 19, 1893 

474 Mason, Harry.Oct. 16, 1894 

1152 Massaro, Stephen.June 6, 19111 

1295 Matthews, Alpheus C.Feb. 2, 1915 

1024 Maurer, George H.May 5, 1908 

600 Maxwell, John H.Mar. 29, 1898 

1201 Maxwell, William H. (Holden).May 19, 1912 

680 May, George.Nov. 20,1900 

1283 Mayer, Louis Burrill.Sept. 15, 1914 

697 Mayo, Clayton.E. A. 

1037 McCall, William.Aug. 20, 1909 

636 McCandless, Samuel.Jan. 31, 1899 

389 McCann, Bernard J. June 7, 1892 

594 McConkey, Thomas.Mar. 28, 1898! 

827 McCormick, Henry J.Sept. 29, 1903! 

382 McCurdy, William S.June 7, 1892 

981 McDonald, Archibald (Dunbar).June 16, 1907 

1059 McDonough, Bart J.May 18, 1909| 

642 McDougall, Walter..,.May 2, 1899 

280*McElroy, John.Apr. 19, 1887 

661 McFerran, Robert G.Feb. 20, 1900! 

1046 McGhie, John.July 16, 1909 

292 McGinn, Peter...Mar. 6,1888H 

1221 McGovern, John (Clarence West).Dec. 3,1912 

484 McGowan, John..Apr. 2, 1895! 

1165 McGurgan, Frank.Oct. 17,1911 

359 McKenna, James.Jan. 20, 18911 

617*McKeon, John C. (Clint Wilson).Feb. 1, 18983: 

958 McKieman, William.Aug. 23, 1906 

1166 McNally, Benjamin F.May 22, 1912 

685 McNaught, Robert M.Dec. 4, 1900! 

1079 McPhee, Alexander H.Oct. 19, 1909 

353 McPherson, Charles H.Nov. 18, 1890f 

817*McQueen, Thomas B.May 19, 1903 

849*McRoy, John T.Dec. 1, 1903§ 

1293 Mehlinger, Arthur H.June 1, 1915 

1171 Metzner, Henry (Michaels).June 18,1912 

1111 Mendelsohn, Harry.July 5, 1910 

1054 Mendelsohn, Israel..Mar. 16, 1909 

978 Merisch, Charles H.Aug. 6, 1907! 

773 Merson, James.Sept. 16, 1902 

1082 Meyer, Hans W.Oct. 19, 1909 

108 Meyering, Frank.Apr. 18, 18711 

527 Miaco, Thomas E. (Easlik).Mar. 17, 1896f 

1281 Michaels, Carl Henry.E. A.. ..t 

96 Michl, Christian.Mar. 29, 1870| 

1279 Middleton, Charles B.Feb. 2, 1915 

94 Mihr, Christian.Oct. 19, 1869f 

1096 Mildenburg, Horace (DeVeaux).Feb. 15, 1910 

50*Millard, Harrison.Sept. 4, 18671 

1062 Miller, Horace B.May 18, 1909! 

891 Miller, Hugo.Mar. 7,1905 

1311 Miller, Walter J.June 1, 1915 

317 Mills, George P.July 2, 1889J 

4 Mills, James.Charter Member! 

686 Minehan, Alfred J.Dec. 4, 1900! 

187*Minor, Raymond R.Jan. 18, 1881 

334 Minshull, Darius.Apr. 1, 1890 

1028 Miraglia, John.Sept. 29, 1908 

684 Miraglia, Vincent.June 4, 1901 

368 Mishler, A. L.Apr. 21, 1891 f 

984 Mitchell, Bennett Smith.June 25, 1907 

789 Mitchell, Clarence L.May 5, 1903 

1061 Moe, Christian A.July 20, 1909 

201 Moen, Thomas F.May 2, 1882! 

1242 Moes, Louis.Mar. 4,1913 

211 Mohr, Gustave.Oct. 31, 1882! 

60 Mollenhauer, Edward.Apr. 16, 1867! 

35*Mollenhauer, Henry.May 15, 1866! 

203*Mollenhauer, Hugh E.Feb. 21, 1882! 

1154 Monell, George W.Feb. 6, 1912 

266*Monroe, Samuel K. L.Dec. 15, 1885! 

994 Montgomery, William V.Oct. 29, 1907 

259 Moore, George H.May 5,1885 

37*Moore, John.May 15, 1866! 

886 Moore, Percival T.Oct. 4, 1904 

566 Moorhouse, Walter M.‘.June 1, 1897 

1322 Moran, John Joseph.Nov. 30, 1915 


185 Morelli, Polifonte.Nov. 18,1879! 

1071 Morey, James W.Aug. 17, 1909 

6 Morgan, George W.Charter Memberf 

1012 Moross, Theophilus A. (Campbell)... .Jan. 19,1910! 

575 Morris, Abraham H.June 7, 1898! 

325*Morris, Felix J.Jan. 29,1890! 

861^Morris, Hugo....Apr. 5, 1904§ 

547 Morris, Jos.E. A. 

313*Morris, S. H.Oct. 30,18881 

156*Morrison, James.Dec. 16, 1873! 

247*Morse, John E., P. M .May 6, 1884! 

705 Morse, Milbum P..June 4, 1901! 

751 Mortimer, Edward J.June 3, 1902! 

1060 Mountford, Harry.Oct. 31,1916 

1069 Moynihan, John J.July 20,190911 

1267 Mueller, Conrad G.Mar. 3,1914 

369 Mueller, Henry, Jr.June 2,1891 

256 Mullenbach, Robert P.May 5,1885§ 

386 Mundwyler, John F.Mar. 29,1892! 

362 Mundwyler, John J.Mar. 3, 1891§ 

103*Murray, Alexander.Sept. 6, 1870! 

1030 Myers, Francis J.Aug. 18, 1908! 

592 Myers, Gustav A.Jan. 18,1898 


447*Nagle, Edwin F. 

649 Nahon, Edward. 

218*Narberti, Georgio. 

896 Nauen, Herman. 

14*Nedham, Thomas S... 

1112 Nelson, Arthur E. 

1039 Neuendam, Louis H... 
1349 Neumann, Arthur J... 

927 Newell, Henry E. 

195*Newman, Edward G.. 
225 Newman, William G.. 

121 Neyer, Ernest. 

1250 Nichols, Alvah Edgar. 

456 Nickel, John A. 

356 Nisbet, Ralph. 

1075*Nordeman, Herman F. 
513 Norman, Charles R... 

779 North, Joseph. 

568 Noyes, Horatio T. 


.Nov. 21,1893! 

.June 6,1899 

.Dec. 19, 1882! 

.Mar. 7,1905 

.Mar. 28, 1865f 

.Dec. 1, 1914 

.Mar. 2,1909! 

.Apr. 18, 1916 

.May 29,1906 

.Dec. 6,1881! 

.Mar. 20, 1883 

.June 11,1873! 

.Oct. 7,1913 

.May 15, 1894 

.Mar. 3,1891! 

.Mar. 2, 1909 

.Nov. 12, 1895! 

E. A.! 

.Jan. 18,1898§ 


326*Oakes, Thomas E.... 
740 Oberwarth, Louis J... 
753 O’Connor, Alfred F... 
975 O’Donoghue, Albert.. 

720 Oesch, Arthur C. 

1147 Oliver, David R. 

435 Oppenheimer, Joseph 

1081 Orange, Henry. 

1106 Orange, Samuel. 

733 Orberdorfer, Jesse L.. 
18 O’Reilly, Laurence... 
100 O’Reilly, Michael.... 
516 Osborne, Charles E... 
84 Ostemeyer, Frederick 
777 Ostrander, John H... 
1263 Otto, Frank John.... 


.Jan. 21, 1890! 

.Aug. 19, 1902 

.June 3, 1902! 

.Apr. 16,1907 

.Dec. 17, 1901! 

.Jan. 17,1911 

.Sept. 19, 1893 

.Oct. 19, 1909 

.Nov. 29, 1910 

E. A. 

.Sept. 19,1865! 

.Oct. 18,1870! 

.Dec. 31,1895 

.Dec. 15,1868! 

.Oct. 21,1902 

.Mar. 2,1915 


706 Paley, William.June 4,1901 

213*Palmer, Augustus B.Oct. 17,1882! 

914 Palmieri, Vincenzo.Jan. 30, 1906 

979 Pantzer, Karl.Mar. 4,1908 

233*Papst, Martin.July 7,1883! 

780 Parent, John F.Dec. 2,1902 

95 Parkes, Albert L. 1869 (Never signed the By-Laws) 

971 Parr, George Albert.Feb. 19,1907 

662 Paterson, David C.Feb. 20,1900! 

59 Pattison, John N.Mar. 5, 1867! 

1019*Patzowski, Richard.Mar. 17,1908! 

116 Payne, Edward S.July 2,1872! 

1070 Payne, Lewis A.Oct. 19,1909 

65 Peakes, Henry C.Apr. 26, 1868! 

137 Pearce, James.Oct. 21, 1873§ 

1120*Pearce, Kinsel.July 5, 1910 

181*Peck, John W.Mar. 18, 1879! 



























































































































































OF ST. CECILE LODGE. 


465 


414 Peck, Leslie E.Feb. 14, 1893§ 

888 Peckham, Albert N.May 16, 1905 

1200*Pedersen, Victor C.Jan. 30, 1912 

872 Peecook, Lambert K.July 19,1904§ 

124 Peguiron, Louis.Dec. 3,1872§ 

784 Pennington, John H.Dec. 20, 1902$ 

874 Peppel, Charles.July 19, 1904 

273*Pepper, Harry.Nov. 16,1886§ 

481 Perlet, Herman.July 2,1895$ 

1105 Perlman, Louis.Dec. 7,1910 

189*Perpignan, Alfred C.Apr. 5,1881 

93*Peters, Charles.Aug. 31, 1869$ 

1032 Peters, Henry A.Feb. 2, 1915 

236 Peters, Peter.Nov. 20, 1883$ 

258 Petit, Charles.Jan. 19,18861 

877 Pfeiffer, Bruno.Aug. 30, 1904 

58 Pfeiffer, John G.Mar. 5,1867 

1197 Pfeiffer, Max.Dec. 3,1912 

912 Pfeiffer, Solomon.Jan. 30,1906 

1214 Pfitzenmyer, Adolph (Mike Kelly)... .Nov. 19, 1913 

871 Pflaum, Benjamin.July 19,1904 

1048*Phillips, Joseph H.Sept. 15,1908 

968 Phillips, Philip R.June 25,1907 

1092*Pierce, Alton R.Dec. 21,1909$ 

758 Pile, Joseph A.June 3,1902 

1172 Pindyck, David.Oct. 17, 1911 

1231 Pinkham, Edward W.Mar. 4, 1913 

530 Pinto, Anthony.June 2, 1896 

541 Pinto, Gaetano M.Dec. 15, 1896 

783 Pitt, George I.Dec. 2, 1902$ 

417 Place, Charles A.Mar. 7, 1893 

42 Plate, Christian T.Dec. 4, 1866$ 

10H*Platt, George F.Dec. 3, 1907 

1144*Plumer, Emerson L. (Lincoln).Nov. 29, 1910 

883*Poillon, John E.July 5,1904 

882*Poillon, William.May 31,1904 

1151 Pollard, Norman L.Mar. 7, 1911 

1347 Pollock, Martin D.Apr. 18, 1916 

293*Potts, Robert H.Mar. 20, 1888$ 

28 Poznanski, Joseph.Feb. 22, 1866$ 

598 Prescott, Albert H.Apr. 9, 1898$ 

813 Preston, Vernon F.July 7, 1903 

1150 Price, Bernard D.June 6, 191 If 

126 Price, Kenneth.Jan. 10, 1873§ 

542*Prior, Herbert.June 16, 1896 

584 Proescholdt, Frederick.Feb. 15, 1898 

428 Puerner, Charles.Mar. 28, 1893$ 

873 Punzelt, Howard.Aug. 30, 1904 

1278 Purisch, Charles I.July 21,1914 

1209 Pursch, Abraham.May 21,1912 

723 Pusinelli, Theodore.Sept. 17, 1901 

1230 Quatrochi, Bernard.July 1,1913 

132 Quigley, James P.July 26, 1895 

497 Quigley, Winfield S.Mar. 18,1873$ 

433 Quine, George W.June 6, 1893 

261 Quinn, Edward.June 16,1885§ 


1131 Radin, Oscar.Jan. 17, 1911 

727 Rainnie, James.Jan. 21,1902 

1026 Ralston, James O. A.Aug. 18, 1908 

112 Ramacciotto, Francesco.Oct. 31, 1871$ 

1180*Ramsay, John W.June 20,1911 

122 Ramseyer, George A.July 2, 1872$ 

875*Ransome, John W.May 3,1904§ 

690 Rascovar, Harry.Feb. 19, 1901 

586 Recker, Emil A.Nov. 16, 1897 

278 Recker, Robert, P. M .Mar. 29,1887$ 

1126 Redmond, Charles J...Oct. 4, 1910 

284 Reed, Charles A.May 31,1887$ 

1258 Reed, Charles W.Mar. 3, 1914 

349 Reeder, Arthur J.Nov. 18, 1890 

33 Reeves, David W.Apr. 3, 1866§ 

412 Reid, Alfred J.Mar. 7, 1893 

57 Reiff, Ambros K.Mar. 5,1867 

269 Reilly, Christopher, Jr.Apr. 6,1886$ 

1257 Reinhardt, Louis.Dec. 2,1913 

17 Reitzel, John C. F.Sept. 19, 1865$ 

906 Rendle, Arthur E....Mar. 2,19094 


133 Rendt, Louis.Apr. 29,1873$ 

1175*Renner, Frederick H.Jan. 31,1911$ 

1234 Rettich, John C. (Melville Stewart)...Mar. 4,1913$ 

1034 Reyes, Thomas S.Mar. 2,1908 

128*Rice, Alonzo G.Jan. 21,1873$ 

351 Rice, John C. (Heilberg).Nov. 12,1895$ 

969 Rice, Milton S.July 16,1907 

332 Rice, R. A. (Roberts).Apr. 15,1890$ 

1108 Richardson, James E.July 5,1910 

569 Rider, Ferdinand.Feb. 28,1899 

550 Ridgely, William S.Dec. 15,1896 

101 Riggs, Thomas..July 19,1869$ 

591 Riley, Joseph A.Jan. 18,1898 

710 Ringleben, Justus, Jr.July 30,1901$ 

1367 Risley, Robert H.E. A.. 

1091 *Rix, Frank S.Dec. 21,1909 

1107 Roberts, Franklyn.Mar. 19, 1912 

1320 Roberts, Harry.July 6,1915 

165*Robinson, Frederic C. P .June 6,1876 

250 Robinson, George S.Mar. 29,1887$ 

1324 Rocchetti, John.Oct. 19,1915 

944 Rock, Edward.Aug. 23,1906$ 

467 Rodman, Charles W.July 3, 1894$ 

183 Roe, Henry W.Jan. 6, 18801| 

1366 Roeber, Ernest C., Jr.Sept. 19,1916 

1115 Roehm, Will R.Aug. 30, 1910 

1190 Roelker, Edward O.Oct. 17, 1911 

1192 Roff, William W.May 26, 1915 

846 Rogers, Edwin A., Jr.Feb. 20,1906$ 

1093 Rogers, Harry K.Feb. 15, 1910 

942 Rogers, Merritt W.Apr. 3,1906$ 

445 Rogers, Walter B.Aug. 7,1894$ 

1177*Rolland, Charles S.May 2,1911 

1318 Roode, Claude M.May 7,1915 

599 Roof, Charles F.E. A. 

824 Rosanoff, Martin A.May 16,1905$ 

1280 Rose, Harry.June 1,1915 

1301 Rosen, Nathan.Dec. 1, 1914 

1186 Rosenberg, Harry.Sept. 3, 1912 

535 Rosenberg, Henry.June 30,1896 

678 Rosenberg, Morris.July 3, 1900 

974 Rosenberg, Nathan.Feb. 19, 1907$ 

957 Rosen, James E.Aug. 21, 1906$ 

1288 Rosenthal, David.Oct. 20, 1914 

945 Ross, Thomas B.Aug. 21,1906 

1003 Ross, William...Mar. 17,1908 

1202 Rossi, Louis.Sept. 2,1913 

660 Rothstein, Nathan.Nov. 21,1899 

1210*Rouillon, Louis.Apr. 16, 1912$ 

179*Rowe, George H.Dec. 17,1878§ 

348 Rowell, William.Nov. 18, 1890$ 

1208 Roy, Albert C.June 18,1912 

889 Rubens, Sacharo.F. C.|| 

645 Ruge, William.E. A. 

1264 Rush, Henry Kalman.Apr. 21,1914 

449 Russell, Frank (McDonough).Mar. 6,189411 

54*Russell, Thomas.Jan. 15,1867$ 

923 Russell, Walter M.Nov. 20, 1906$ 

268*Ryan, Frank.Feb. 2,1886$ 

418 Ryder, Arthur P.May 23,1893$ 

425 Ryer, Richard W.Apr. 4, 1893$ 

314*Ryley, John H. Dec. 4,1888§ 

1161 Salsburg, Joseph (Rinaldo).Dec. 18, 1913 

291 Sander, William A.Mar. 6,1888H 

704 SandeTS, Albert.May 7, 1901 

345*Sandison, Sinclair.May 20,1890§ 

242 Sands, James G.Apr. 1, 1884$ 

1137*Sauer, John George.Oct. 18, 1910$ 

595 Sawers, William B.Mar. 17,1898 

16 Sawyer, Nathaniel.May 16, 1865$ 

402 Scammon, Albert Q.May 21,1895$ 

801 Scarano, Giacinto.May 5, 1903 

902 Schaeffer, Fred. A...Mar. 14,1905 

1249 Schaetzer, Carl.Aug. 19, 1913 

411 Schanfields, Louis M. (Fields).Mar. 28, 1893 

436*Schanfields, Max.June 6, 1893$ 

1302*Schaub, George L.June 2, 1914 

1023 Schellberg, William A.May 5, 1908 
































































































































































466 


FIFTY YEARS 


1031 Schiller, Max.Aug. 18, 1908 

818 Schiller, Samuel.July 7, 1903 

451 Schilling, Carl (Quirnbach).Mar. 6, 1894J 

754 Schilling, John.July 29, 1902 

79 Schirmer, Gustave.Dec. 15, 1868§ 

553 Schlig, Martin J.June 7, 1898 

145 Schlig, Michael, P. M .Jan. 19, 1875f 

222 Schmager, Theodore.Feb. 20, 18831 

939 Schmehl, August.May 29, 1906 

1372 Schmidt, Bernard.E. A. 

865 Schmidt, Fred. R. (Aldo). .,.Nov. 15, 1904 

590 Schmidt, Herman.Jan. 18, 18981 

811 Schmidt, Max F.July 7, 1903 

788 Schnapp, Leon.May 5, 1903 

151 Schoenberger, Jacob.July 6, 1875f 

1351 Schoenewaldt, Arthur C.July 18, 1916 

533 Schoepf, William J. F. (Campbell)_Nov. 17, 1896 

1260 Schoff, Odo Rudolph.Jan. 20, 1914 

869*Schofield, John P.May 31, 1904 f 

1007 Schorr, Albert.E. A. 

1139 Schubert, Adrian.Jan. 17, 1911 

399 Schuetz, Franz.Dec. 6, 18921 

1229 Schulenberg, Fred. W.E. A. 

941 Schultz, Alfred P.May 29, 1906J 

669 Schulum, Raphael.May 1, 1900 

1307 Schulz, William.Apr. 6, 1915 

1077 Schumann, Charles A.E. A. 

1235 Schwab, Eugene Charles.Apr. 15, 1913 

1127 Schwarz, Julius H.Aug. 15, 1911 

1354 Schwarz, Mark H.E. A. 

158*Schwicardi, Henry.Jan. 4, 1876J 

521 Schworer, George.June 30, 1896 

77*Scott, Frank N.Mar. 17, 18681 

264 Scott, Robert.Oct. 20, 1885f 

1344 Scribner, Ira B.Apr. 18, 1916 

378 Scribner, Jacob.Sept. 19, 18931 

522 Scribner, Sam.Mar. 17, 1896§ 

163*Seale, Joseph.Apr. 18, 18761 

346 Seaton, Henry J.July 29, 1890§ 

444 See, Frederick J.Dec. 5, 1893 

613 See, William J.Nov. 1, 1890§ 

1185 Seidle, Edward V. Sept. 27, 1911 

1300 Selig, Arthur.Dec. 1, 1914 

602 Seligman, Henry.Mar. 29, 1898 

164*Seligson, Hermann.June 6, 18761 

752 Semon, Charles F.June 17, 1902 

153 Senia, John N.Sept. 21, 18751 

1216 Shadduck, Joseph B.June 6, 1913 

652 Sharkey, Thomas J.Nov. 21, 1899|| 

864 Shay, Charles C.July 5, 1904 

209*Sheffield, Nelson M.Sept. 19, 1882J 

775 Shepard, Charles Frank, P. M .Oct. 21, 1902 

63 Sherwin, William F., P. M .May 21, 1868f 

1045 Shields, John C.Mar. 2, 1909 

1097 Shingleton, Robert (Charles Ross)... .May 17, 1910 

702 Shipaugh, Albert D.May 7, 1901 

657 Shoemaker, John H.Jan. 30, 1901 f 

585 Short, Peter..E. A. 

946 Siegman, William G.Aug. 6, 1907 

1080 Silvers, Joseph F.Dec. 7, 1909 

1271 Silvers, William F.Apr. 21, 1914 

1309 Silvey, Harry A.Apr. 6. 1915 

938 Simerlein, Albert H.May 29, 1906 

843 Sinclair, Charles S.Mar. 1, 1904 

393 Sisson, Oscar P.E. A. 

895*Sissons, William T.Dec. 20, 1904 

609 Skinner, Charles G. (Seymour).June 7, 1898f 

1035 Skipworth, Vonce de Leon.Sept. 29, 1908 

432 Sltuse, William.May 23, 1893§ 

1113*Smith, Charles F.May 3, 1910 

120 Smith, Charles M.July 2, 18721 

1164 Smith, Edward J.May 21, 1912§ 

510 Smith, Edwin D.Nov. 19,189511 

184 Smith, Gilbert T.July 1, 1879§ 

744 Smith, Hamilton F. (Harry B. Lester).May 6, 1902 

398*Smith, James B. May 3, 1892f 

1073 Smith, James E.Oct. 19,1909 

622 Smith, John W.Sept. 20, 1898f 


492 Smith, Judson C.May 21, 1895f 

772 Smith, Maurice F.Sept. 16, 1902 

220*Smith, Walter.Dec. 19, 1882§ 

1363 Sodero, Cesare.E. A. 

67 Sohst, Carl F.Mar. 3, 1868t 

514 Solomon, Paul.Nov. 12, 1895 j 

844 Somes, James R.Mar. 1, 1904 

89 Sommers, George W.Mar. 2, 1869t 

373 Sonnenberg, Paul S. (Stanley)..June 2, 1891 j 

477 Sonty, Frederico.Dec. 4, 1894 

1025 Spachner, Leon.June 20, 1908 

354 Spargur, Horace G...Nov. 18, 1890 

1199 Spencer, Herbert...June 18, 1912J 

110 Sperber, George.May 30,1871§ 

962 Spielberger, Harry (Fera).F. C..... 

270*Spyer, Joseph.Feb. 16, 1886§ 

119 Squadrill, Luigi.Jan. 21, 1873f 

1240 Stamper, David.Aug. 19, 1913 

1138 Stein, Julius (Otto Steinert).Jan. 31, 19111 

1110 Steinberg, Sidney Howard.Aug. 30, 1910 

518*St. John, Frederick M.Feb. 18, 1896 

1359 Stern, Otto J.Sept. 19, 1916 

312 Sternenberg, Walter T.Dec. 4, 1888f 

160*Stevenson, Charles A.Feb. 29, 1876§ 

1051 Stigler, Otto W.E. A.t 

578 Stoessell, Emil.Nov. 16, 1897 j 

633 Stone, Harry.Feb. 28, 18991 

215 Stone, Lyman S.Feb. 20, 1883§ 

603 Stone, Robert E.Mar. 29, 1898 

964 Strashun, Leon I.Oct. 29, 1907 

29*Straub, Anton.Mar. 6, 1866t 

299*Straub, Philip, Jr.Apr. 3, 18881 

1246 Streimer, Morris.Jan. 20, 1914 

376 Stretz, Frank.Nov. 17, 1891 

400 Stromberg, John A.July 5, 1892f 

62 Stuart, Levi.Feb. 4, 1863 j 

637 Sturgis, Francis S., Jr.Jan. 31, 1899 

1103 Sugarman, Lewis H.Aug. 30, 1910 

725 Sugden, Henry M.Jan. 21, 1902 

1121 Sullivan, Burdette.Nov. 21, 1910 

1058 Sussman, Paul.May 18, 1909 

85*Sutton, Matthew L.Dec. 29, 1868J 

648 Swackhamer, John W.June 6, 1899 

457 Swart, James G.Feb. 20, 1894J 

380 Swick, Frank M.Feb. 2, 1892 

799 Swickard, Joseph P.Apr. 7, 1903 

391 Swope, Charles Barton.July 5, 1892 

390 Swope, George (Rice).July 5, 1892f 

943 Swope, John E.July 16, 1907f 

323 Symmons, Abram H.Jan. 21, 1890 

1168 Tabuteau, Marcel.Oct. 17, 1911 

1292 Taussig, Louis Fisher.Oct. 20, 1914 

427 Taussig, Oscar.Apr. 4, 1893 

804 Taylor, Harry T.May 5, 1903 

40 Taylor, John J.Aug. 6, 1866J 

66 Taylor, William B..Aug. 6, 1867J 

171*Tayntor, John W.Apr. 17, 1877§ 

800 Tenley, Elmer.E. A. 

1195*Terry, Ira B., Jr.Dec. 5,1911 

70 Theall, Thomas.Nov. 19, 1867§ 

196*Thieler, Theodore, P. M .Dec. 20, 1881 f 

319 Thiers, Albert Gerard.June 4, 1889J 

1123 Thomas, Frederick.Mar. 7, 1911 

930 Thomas, George H.Jan. 30, 1906 

5 Thomas, John R.Charter M ember t 

832 Thompson, Edward.Nov. 10, 1903t 

1176*Thompson, William_:.Apr. 4, 1911 

377 Thoms, William M.Nov. 17, 18911 

1251*Thorne, Ernest.Aug. 19, 1913 

847 Thorne, Robert H. (Burnside).Feb. 2, 1904 

646 Thurston, James H.May 2, 1899t 

46 Thurston, Nathaniel, Jr.E. A. 

857 Tiemann, Bernard P.Aug. 9, 1904 

177 Tighe, Michael.May 21, 1878t 

448 Timpone, Domenico.Nov. 21, 1893t 

909 Tindle, William B P. M .Sept. 5, 1905 

5 Tissington, Henry.Charter Member 
































































































































































OF ST. CEGILE LODGE. 


467 


866 Titus, Frederick J.Aug. 4, 1904 

371 Tobani, Theodore M.Oct. 31, 1905 

506 Todd, Ira J...Nov. 12, 1895J 

394 Todd, Orville A.Nov. 29, 1892f 

908 Tole, James.May 16, 1905 

140 Traut, Andrew, Jr.Feb. 17, 1874$ 

237*Trown, George A.Nov. 6, 18831 

770 Troxell, Elmer E.Sept. 16, 1902$ 

24*Tucker, Henry.Jan. 2, 1866$ 

729 Tway, William E ., P. M .Jan. 21, 1902$ 

806 Twiggs, Cornelius L.Nov. 15,1904$ 

525*Ullner, Robert E.Mar. 17, 18961 

1345 Utting, A. Walter.Apr. 18, 1916 

1140 Vail, George M., Jr.Nov. 29, 1910 

1299 Valentine, John.Mar. 2, 1915 

769*Valentine, Thomas W.June 3, 1902f 

722 Vandeputte, Boniface.Sept. 17, 1901 

1087 Van der Heim, Lion..Dec. 7, 1909 

757 Vanderslice, Henry M.Aug. 19, 1902 

32 Van Duyn, John Vohries.Apr. 2, 18661 

564*Van Oost, John W.Mar. 30, 1897 

899 Van Praag, Henry W.Mar. 14, 1905 

853 Van Praag, Martin.Mar. 29, 1904 

1135*Van Tassel, Francis.Sept. 20, 1910 

703 Vaughan, Charles J.Apr. 2, 19011 

1036 Vaughn, Emmet I.E. A.§ 

56 Verelst, John Francis.Apr. 16, 1867§ 

396*Veritzan, George N.Apr. 5, 18921 

1353 Vernotzy (Livingston) William.Sept. 21,1916 

1223 Verona, Leonidas.Dec. 3, 1912 

898 Voigt, Edwin W.Apr. 18, 1905 

904 Von Tilzer, Albert.Mar. 21, 1905 

83 Voytits, Sigismund.Dec. 15, 18681 

249 Waechter, Louis.Nov. 18, 1884 

679 Wakefield, Edwin P.July 3, 19001 

1022*Walker, Charles W.June 16, 1908 

308*Walker, George W.July 3, 1888 

1021*Walker, James W....Aug. 18, 1908 

279*Wallace, James.Apr. 5,18871 

491 Wallen, George E P. M .May 21, 1895 

507 Wallen, Harry D.Dec. 4, 1900 

489 Waller, Ridge.Oct. 10,1895f 

540 Walsh, Reginald.Oct. 20, 1896 

713 Walsh, William H.Dec. 17, 1901 

549 Walters, Charles L.Dec. 15, 1896§ 

408 Walters, William W.Nov. 29, 1892$ 

699 Wambold, Edwin H.Apr. 16, 1901 j 

123 Wannemacher, Henry.Oct. 15, 1873$ 

375 Warden, Albert W.June 30, 1891$ 

614*Wardley, John T.May 3, 1898f 

999 Washburn, George W.Dec. 17, 1907 

1017 Waters, Walter W.June 16, 1908 

574 Watson, Richard.Sept. 7, 18971 

482 Watson, William B. (Levy).July 16,1895 

1310 Watt, James.E. A. 

68 Watts, William McDuff.Dec. 31, 1868J 

1306 Weaver, Frederick Clarence.Mar. 23, 1915 

48*Webb, Thomas.Aug. 21, 1867$ 

410 Weber, Joseph M.Mar. 28, 1893 

774 Weber, Max.Oct. 21, 1902 

719 Weber, William H.E. A. 

997 Weeden, George O.Jan. 5,1909$ 

839 Weeden, Winfield S.Mar. 1, 1904 f 

3 Weeks, George S., Jr.Charter Memberf 

911 Weiler, Geoffrey M.Aug. 10, 1905 

1314 Weisenfeld, Max.Feb. 1,1916 

260 Weismann, Louis F.June 16, 1885$ 

1298 Weiss, Adolph.June 17,1915 

739 Weitzell, Charles (Dunham).Apr. 22, 1902$ 

797 Weld, Arthur C. G.Mar. 17, 1903$ 

1076 Welford, Christopher Dallas.May 17, 1910 

1371 Welker, Maximilian.F. C. 

1122 Wenrich, Percy.Nov. 29, 1910 

* Affiliated. t Died. t Unaffiliated. 


947 White, Clayton E_*.E. A 


730 Whitney, Howard (Swope).. 


.E. A. 


Aug. 

17, 

1909 

Oct. 

4, 

1904 

Feb. 

3, 

1885 

Jan. 

29, 

1884$ 

July 

2, 

1889 

July 

29, 

1890f 

Dec. 

7, 

1875§ 

Dec. 

3, 

1872$ 

June 

30, 

1903 

Nov. 

3, 

1874$ 

Sept. 

20, 

1898§ 

Apr. 

20, 

1875$ 

Feb. 

2, 

1915 

Jan. 

15, 

1878$ 

Sept. 

15, 

1896 

Mar. 

17, 

1908 


1 Widdows, Frederick, P. M .Charter Memberf 

1356 Widmaier, Frederick G.Sept. 19, 1916 

878 Wiegele, Henry M.Aug. 30, 1904 

1010*Wier, Henry W.Nov. 19, 1907$ 

552 Wiese, Hugo.Feb. 16, 1897 

1029 Wiggin, Irving W.Aug. 18, 1908 

677 Wilbur, Caryl (Sharpe).July 3, 1900 

111 Wild, John.Oct. 31, 1871J 

252 Wilder, Marshall P.Nov. 18, 1884$ 

169 Wiley, Charles C.Mar. 6, 1877$ 

1179*Wilgus, Thomas Benton.May 16, 1911 

834 Wilhelm, William F.Nov. 10, 1903 

142*Wilkins, Gustave.Oct. 6, 1874$ 

372 Williams, Charles Miller, P.M .June 2, 1891 

114 Williams, Edward E.June 17, 1873$ 

1129 Williams, Harold.Nov. 1, 1910 

593*Williams, Harry L.Nov. 16, 1897 

1303 Williams, Harry Lorenzo.July 6, 1915 

283 Williams, Nathaniel D.May 31, 1887§ 

724 Wills, Louis W. (Nat).July 29,1902 

701 Wilson, Charles F.Apr. 2,1901 

1313*Wilson, Harry G.Mar. 2, 1915 

687 Wilson, Roy A.Dec. 4, 1900$ 

539 Wilson, William B.Oct. 20, 1896$ 

453 Wilson, William F.Aug. 7, 1894 

1064 Winfield, Harry.Aug. 17, 1909 

277 Winter, Herman.Mar. 29, 1887$ 

442 Winter, John.Dec. 10, 1895$ 

726 Wise, Thomas A.Dec. 2,1902 

302 Wissemann, Henry.June 19, 1888J 

87 Withers, Joseph.Mar. 2,1869$ 

167 Withers, Reuben.Jan. 16,1877$ 

461 Witmark, Isidore.May 1,1894 

460 Witmark, Jacob.May 1, 1894 

462 Witmark, Julius P.July 3, 1894 

1104 Wolf, Frank.Oct. 4, 1910 

1056 Wolf, Jacob.May 18, 1909 

992 Wolf, William J.July 16, 1907 

475 Wolff, Carl G.Oct. 16,1894 

1182 Wood, John H. (George MartineJ.May 15, 1912 

1167 Woods, Bernard F.May 21, 1912 

653 Woods, Murry.May 8, 1900 

1336 Woolfolk, William W.Nov. 30,1915 

490*Wright, Charles.Mar. 5, 1895f 

1325 Wroblewski, S. K.May 16,1916 

810 Yalto, Karl R.Feb. 2,1904 

1219 Yartin, Paul.Sept. 3,1912 

421 Young, Charles R.Mar. 7, 1893f 

141 Young, William M. .Apr. 7,1874$ 

556 Youngling, Henry W.Feb. 16, 1897 

330 Zeiss, August W.June 3, 1890 

1043 Zeitz, Edward S.Jan. 19,1909$ 

38 Zilm, Gustave.Aug. 7,1866$ 

387 Zilm, Herman E.Mar. 29, 1892$ 

367 Zimmer, William V.Apr. 21,1891$| 

932 Zimmermann, Willy F.Aug. 21, 1906$ 

1050 Zuckerman, Benj., Jr.Mar. 2, 1909 


Non-Affiliated. 


§ Demitted. 


Expelled. 













































































































































































INDEX 


Accessions from Mercantile Pursuits, 163, 
215, 288, 388. 

Active Honorary Membership, 323, 330, 
453. 

Actors, 161, 214, 286, 334, 345, 348, 
434. 

Agan, David H., P. M., 101, 111, 117, 
368. 

Akers, Eugene C., 218. 

Allen, John H., P. M., 75, 77, 91, 92, 
97, 107, 115, 168, 173, 231. 

Anniversaries, 24, 115, 140, 173, 251, 
289, 374. 

Annual Entertainments, 293. 

Banner Presentation, 264. 

Beckett, Henry J., 84, 91, 161. 

Beefsteak Party, 267. 

Benefits, 25, 51, 104, 257. 

Bisnett. Arthur J., P. M., 147, 155, 
175 187 

“Blind Harry” Woods, 152. 

Board of Relief, 23. 55, 156. 

Bonding Officers, 372. 

Booth, Edwin, 23. 

Brodie, Charles F., P. M., 409. 

Burnett, Alfred, 22, 35, 36, 85, 109. 

Burnett, John M., P. M., 32, 66. 

By-laws, 16. 21. 60, 130, 191, 297, 

353, 366, 374. 

B. P. O. Elks, No. 1, 106, 114, 210, 222, 
417, 418. 

Carpenter (Indian Chief), 30. 

Castle. William J., 11, 80, 100, 105, 
324. 

Cemetery Plans, 337. 

Charitable Benefits, etc., 29, 51, 65, 67, 
69. 91. 101. 103, 106, 118, 120, 
125, 131, 134, 206, 241, 255, 257, 

271, 272, 309, 310, 320, 327, 381, 

407. 

Charity Ball, 365. 369, 376, 399. 

Charity Concert 257. 

Charter, 4, 5. 

Christmas Bazaars by Ladies, 309, 320. 

Clayton. William B., P. M., 187, 193, 
195. 199, 201, 259. 

Corner Stone of Masonic Hall Laid, 47 
Of Obelisk Laid, 90 

Crest, 103. 

Curtin, James H.. P. M., 155, 165, 170, 
231, 232, 236, 244, 265, 273, 315, 
361. 

Davidoff. Joseph, 230, 302. 

Davis, Alexander, 40. 

“Dear St. Cecile,” poem, 354. 

Deceased Brethren, 447. 

Decker, Myron A., P. M., 14, 15, 56, 58, 
63, 64, 69. 70, 106, 122, 171, 210. 

Dedication of Masonic Hall, 53, 71, 153. 

Delmore, Ralph, 120, 162, 431. 

De Wattville, William A., 120, 129, 

135, 162. 

Doctors, 389. 


Donough, William H., P. M., 136, 144, 
311. 

Dowers, John J., P. M., 236, 265, 277, 
283, 310, 315, 321, 335, 401, 427. 
Downing, David L., P. M., 45, 60, 88. 
Drumhead for St. Cecile No. 193., 363, 
396. 

Dues, 16, 21, 53, 374, 433. 

Duncan, Wm. J., 166, 221, 234. 

Early Members, 11, 37. 

Eastern Star, 28, 126, 313, 377. 

Ehlers, Edward M. L., Grand Sec., 78, 
90, 108, 115, 117, 122, 128, 133, 
144, 153, 166, 187, 190, 199, 209, 

224, 226, 233, 236, 249, 304, 337, 

349, 355, 400, 410, 432. 

Eickelberg, August, P. D. D., 317, 347. 
Elections and Installations, 293. 
Entertainments, 87, 91, 128, 145, 149, 

155, 171, 176, 181, 187, 197, 205, 

220, 228, 235. 251, 268, 290, 293. 

Entwistle, Harry W., P. M., 273, 277, 
279, 282, 308, 310, 321, 328, 413. 

Erdmann, Ernest F., P. M., 255, 265, 
269, 278, 291, 296, 304, 309, 310, 

319, 328, 357, 377, 391, 394, 403, 

407, 417, 419, 431. 

Excursion to Philadelphia, 244. 

Fellowcraft Club, 303. 

Fiftieth Anniversary, 374, 416, 420, 428, 
429 432. 

Financial Table, 441. 

Fire in Lodge Room, 58. 

First Candidate under Charter, 21. 

First degree under dispensation, 16. 
“Flag Day” Celebrated, 383. 

Founders of Lodge, 12. 

Fountain, Johnstone, Tiler, 168. 

Fox, Claude R., 438. 

Francis, William T., 359. 

Freifeld, George, P. G. M., 368, 386, 
400, 429, 430. 

Friedenberg. Isaac, 101, 165, 175, 209, 
222, 269, 276, 353, 358. 
Friedenberg, Phil, 200, 203, 221, 229, 
251, 277, 306. 

Fromme, Louis, Trustee, 64, 76. 

Funeral Benefits, 151. 

Ginther, Francis S., 276. 

Govan, Charles H., P. M., 82, 84, 102, 
1 12, 123, 127, 135, 141, 155, 165, 

181, 183, 193, 229, 244, 269, 274, 

382. 

Graham, David, Secretary, 19, 57, 79. 
Grand Lodge Appointments, 24, 29, 54, 
178. 225, 240, 294, 458. 

Grand Masters, visits, 29, 35, 68, 73, 
97, 98, 110, 147, 156, 203, 386, 
429. 

Grand Lodge, music by St. Cecile, 18, 

24, 28, 29, 31, 34, 51, 54, 80, 83, 
100, 105, 110, 114, 119, 130, 134, 

157, 173, 184, 296. 

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 27, 35. 

469 



470 


INDEX 


Grand Lodge pro rata, 381. 

Grand Lodge Thanks, 51, 72, 100, 105, 
262. 

Great Charity Ball, 376. 

Great Day with the Actors, 345. 

Greenbaum, Joseph, 193, 195, 218, 229. 

Greene, Harry A., P. M., 217, 229, 

342, 369, 377, 399, 401, 418, 431. 

Hackenberger, George W., P. M., 222, 
229, 249, 253, 265, 270, 273, 2S1, 

310, 313, 324, 328, 343, 401, 406. 

“Hallelujah Chorus,” 123. 

“Harmony Day,” 358. 

“Heart, The,” 379, 397. 

“Help a Brother While He Lives,” poem, 
352. 

Henning, Joseph, Treasurer, 136, 164, 

175, 266. 

Historian, 167, 175, 188, 254, 305. 

Holcomb, Abel S., P. M., 356, 361, 
362, 373, 376, 379, 385, 401. 406. 

Holmes, Robert D., G. M., 9, 12, 18, 
24, 27, 29, 43, 46, 256. 

Home at Utica, 146, 153, 244. 

Home for Incurables, 241, 255, 271. 

Honorary Members (see Appendix), 22, 
24, 29, 53, 63, 65, 70, 73, 74, 83, 
97, 101, 225, 234, 453. 

Hopkins, Edward, P. M., 60, 69, 70, 
183 

Hotmer,' Charles F., 225, 278. 

Howie, Frank, 222, 229, 230, 236, 265, 
269, 279, 310. 

Hunt, Charles C., R. W., 433. 

Ilsley, George, P. M., 14, 26, 69, 183. 

Indorsers of Petition, 15. 

Initiation Fee, 16, 168, 232. 

Installations, 293. 

“Introduction,” 60. 

Jacoby, Theodore, P. M., 55, 60, 87, 180. 

Johnston, George, P. M., 226, 229, 234, 
236, 242, 244, 249, 257, 26S, 269, 
273. 

Jubilee, Masonic, 132. 

Kahn, Julius, 131, 135, 290. 

Kapp, Joseph A., 438. 

Kenworthy, Robert Judson, P. G. M., 
278, 429. 

Kellington, George, 439. 

Ladies’ MatinSes, 104, 122, 220, 231, 
248, 279. 

Lang, William D., 230, 242, 248, 271. 

“Last Request, The,” poem, 159. 

Latham, Allan, P. M., 91, 101, 107, 

111, 112, 359. 

“L’Envoi,” poem, 443. 

Leonard, William J., P. M., 66, 81. 

Librarian, 136. 

Life Membership Adopted, 418. 

Lawrason, William, 438. 

Lines on Death of Brother Joseph D. 
Jackson, 412. 

List of Members, 459. 

Lodge Button, 166. 

Lodge Notice, 282. 

Lodge of Sorrow, 74, 326, 416. 

Loesch, George, P. M., 193, 195, 207, 
222, 223, 226, 234, 236, 240, 242, 
244, 259, 269, 273, 275, 306, 327, 
340, 350, 393, 401, 414, 432. 

Low, C. Edward, P. M., 169, 172, 175, 
313. 

Ludwig, Chas. H., 83. 

Masonic Club, 278. 

Masonic Fair, 125. 


Masters, Worshipful (see Appendix). 

Matinfie Lodges, 219, 231, 419, 424. 

McElroy, Joseph W., 439. 

Meetings, places of, 306. 

Members (see Appendix), sketches of, 
37, 161, 213, 282, 285, 288. 

Classified, 304, 305. 

Nativity of, 263. 

Membership, 459. 

Memorial Services, 343, 367, 416. 

Millard, Harrison, 41. 

Minor. Raymond R., Ill, 118, 127, 164, 
439. 

Moe, Christian A., 438. 

Monster Charity Concert, 257. 

Morgan, George W., 14, 20, 38, 65, 76, 
80, 99, 104, 108, 112, 124, 133, 

140, 145, 149, 152, 166, 225. 

Morris, “Bob.” P. G. M., Kentucky, 
poem to St. Cecile, 110, 113, 131. 

Morrison, James E., 91, 101, 131. 

Morse, John E., P. M., 117, 122, 131, 
132, 166, 175, 289, 358. 

Mozart Lodge, Philadelphia, 33, 65, 189. 

Musical Director Grand Lodge, 54. 

Musicians, 37, 42, 160, 213, 285, 333, 
372. 

Nativity of Members, 263. 

Nedham, Thomas S., 17, 19, 38, 188, 
232 315 

Nichols,’Alvah E., 386, 392, 410, 437. 

Obelisk, 90. 

Obituary (see Appendix), 46, 52, 63, 

74, 86. 109, 118, 124, 129, 143, 

178, 194, 196, 197, 210, 223, 242, 
253, 256, 272, 294. 

Officers, 1916, 2. 

Officers, Appointive, 455. 

Officers, all years (see Appendix). 

Officers, Elective, 454. 

Officers Installed. 293. 

Officers—tabulated (see Appendix). 

Ole Bull, 30. 

Olive Branch Lodge, No. 816, St. Louis, 
378 385 

O’Reilly, Lawrence, 20, 21, 82, 84, 102, 


122, 

136, 151. 

154, 175, 

185, 

330 

339, 

353, 359. 




Oriental 

Lodge, No. 

224, 223. 



Outings. 

204, 210, 

222, 230, 

242, 

255, 


274. 

Past Masters, 456. 

Perpignan, “Al” C., 353, 436. 

Petition for Dispensation, 12. 

Petitioners to form St. Cecile, 12, 14, 
252. 

Pfeiffer,' John G., 40. 43, 75, 330, 353. 

Piano Argument, 116, 118. 

Places of Meeting, 441. 

Plate, Christian T., 39. 

Police, 96. 165, 216. 

Preface, 7. 

Presentations : 

Ballot Box to Lodge by Decker, 179. 

Banner to Lodge by Ladies, 264. 

Baton to Bro. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
319. 

Baton to W. Edward Issler, 363. 

Bible to Lodge, 20. 

Cemetery Plot by Bro. L. O’Reilly, 
154. 

Charity Box to Lodge by Decker, 
106. 

Clock to Grand Secretary, 337. 

Clock to Lodge, 22, 168. 

Cut Glass to Mrs. G. W. Hackenberger, 
279. 

Cut Glass to R. W. Herbert Crocker, 
343. 



INDEX 


471 


Presentations : 

Dagger to Lodge, 22. 

Drumhead to St. Cecile Lodge, No. 
193, 363. 

Examination Bible by W. Brow, 22. 
Floral Horseshoe to Master, 318. 
Full Set Aprons and Working Tools 
by Decker, 63. 

Holy Bible to Lodge, Bro. Robert 
Potts, 209. 

Lambskins to Candidates, 23. 

Locket to Child of Master, 156. 
Loving Cup to Oriental Lodge, Utica, 

223. 

Photograph Album to Lodge, 32. 
Silver Altar Lights by Bro. Frederick 
H. Remer, 431. 

Silver Name Plate for Piano by Bro. 

Joseph Davidoff, 230. 

Testimonial to W. Abel S. Holcomb, 
406. 

Testimonial to W. C. Frank Shepard, 
364. 

Testimonial to W. Ernest F. Erdmann, 
421. 

Testimonial to W. George Johnston, 
268. 

Testimonial to W. James H. Curtin, 
361. 

Testimonial to W. Myron A. Decker, 
70. 

Testimonial to W. Robert Recker, 173. 
Testimonial to W. William E. Tway, 
270, 273. 

Testimonial to W. William H. Sher- 
win, 57. 

Testimonial to R. W. Frederick Wid- 
dows, 26. 

Testimonial to R. W. George E. Wallen, 
252. 

Testimonial to R. W. George Loesch, 
236, 319, 327. 

Testimonial to R. W. George W. Ilack- 
enberger, 323, 344. 

Testimonial to R. W. John J. Dowers, 
352. 

Testimonial to R. W. Louis Donnatin, 
308. 

Testimonial to R. W. Richard Shepard, 

224. 

Testimonial to R. W. William J. Wiley, 
244. 

Testimonial to Bro. Charles Miller Wil¬ 
liams, 310, 358, 385* 399. 
Testimonial to Bro. Joseph Green- 
baum, 218. 

Testimonial to Theiler, 218. 

Watch Charm to Bro. Joseph David¬ 
off, 303. 

Printers, 12, 32, 82, 96, 136, 163, 252, 
287. . 

Recker. Robert, P. M., 136, 144, 148, 

175. 

Reed. Charles W., 438. 

Referendum Voting, 365. 

Remarkable Funeral at Nyack, 404. 
Renner, Frederick H., 431, 439. 
Resolutions received, 34, 35, 51, 72. 
Rix, Frank S., 331. 438. 

Robinson, Frederic, C. P., 78, 84, 85, 
86. 87, 88, 116, 119, 120, 161, 

177. 

Roe, Henry W., 88, 136, 139, 369. 
Russell, Harry Alton, P. M., Organist, 
172, 196, 2S4, 310, 410. 

Schlig, Michael, P. M., 101, 111, 132, 
137, 143, 182. 

Shepard, C. Frank, P. M., 269, 279, 283, 
321, 349, 364. 

Seven-dollar Assessment, 381. 


Sherwin, William F., P. M., 27, 52, 
54, 70, 129, 225. 

Six-dollar Assessment, 119. 

Smith, William B., 139. 

Square Club, 270. 

St. Cecile Lodge. 

Benefit H. & A. Fund, 25. 

Consecration and First Officers, 18. 

Constituted, 18. 

Cornerstone of Masonic Temple, 47. 

Dedication Masonic Temple, 71. 

Dispensation, 12. 

Fire in Lodge Room, 58. 

First Anniversary, 24. 

First Matinee Lodge in New York, 9, 
93. 

Fiftieth Anniversary, 374, 416, 420, 
428, 429, 432. 

Fortieth Anniversary, 252. 

Grand Officers of Pennsylvania, 27, 
35. 

Name, 9, 17, 154. 

Petition and Petitioners, 12, 15. 

Presents to, 20, 22, 61, 154, 168, 179, 
209. 211, 230. 

Tenth Anniversary, 73. 

Thanks of Grand Lodge, 51, 72, 100, 
105, 262. 

Thirtieth Anniversary. 173. 

Twentieth Anniversary, 115. 

Twenty-fifth Anniversary, 140. 

Visit to New Haven, 75. 

Visit to Philadelphia, 244. 

1000th Communication, 304, 306. 

St. Cecile Lodge, No. 193, Newark, 357, 
379, 395. 

St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 250, Dublin, 
Ireland, 156. 

St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 865, Chicago, 219, 
231, 378. 

Statistics of Membership, 440. 

Statistics (see Appendix), 184, 212, 263, 
304, 305, 306. 

Stevenson, Chas. A., 78, 98, 104, 107, 
104, 109. 

Stewart, John, P. G. M., 167, 170, 171, 
225, 234, 305, 318. 

Summer Outings, 204, 210, 222, 230, 
242, 255, 274, 384, 401. 


Temple, 46, 67, 70, 134. 

Terry, Dr. Ira B., 437. 

“The Singing Craft of St. Cecile,” poem, 
113. 

Thieler, Theodore, P. M., 101, 107, 109, 
199, 207, 210, 218, 227. 

Thomas, John R., 37. 

Tindle, William B., P. M., 393, 401« 
413, 418, 437. 

Tissington, Henry, Treasurer, 12, 14, 15, 
19, 25, 84, 96, 104, 112, 118. 

Tribute to a Departed Brother, poem, 
444. 

Tuscan Room, 70. 81, 113. 

Twav, William E., P. M., 222, 229, 

234, 236, 242, 244, 259, 265, 266, 
270, 273, 277, 304, 342. 

Universitv Lodge, 610, Philadelphia, 236, 
237,‘244, 273. 


Valentine, John, 438. 

Visitations, 33. 75, 93, 99, 106, 139, 
147, 189, 203, 236, 244, 273, 277, 

310, 357, 362, 379, 395 403. 

Wallen, George E., P. M., 208, 222, 
226, 229, 232 234, 235, 236, 242, 

259, 265, 269, 273, 277, 328, 383, 

393, 418. 

Warrant, cut of, 5. 

Washington, George, 199. 



472 


INDEX 


Weeks, George S., 15,37,77,112,114,120. 
Widdows, Frederick, P. M., 15, 20, 26, 
30, 44, 50, 66, 73, 74. 94, 97, 106, 
125, 135, 140, 146, 158. 

Wilder, Marshall P., 102, 128, 133, 146, 
155, 162, 410. 


Williams, Charles Miller, P. M., 188, 
254, 293, 304, 310, 317, 320, 330, 
357, 358, 367, 385, 397, 400, 403, 
418, 419, 428, 430, 433. 

Worshipful Masters—tabulated (see Ap¬ 
pendix). 


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